This month, the Oxford-Ole Miss Rotary Club and Interfaith Compassion Ministry officially kick off The Christmas Store – a community-wide endeavor in its 41st year of service providing children in Oxford and Lafayette County gifts during the Christmas season.

The Oxford-University community support has been outstanding both in terms of monetary and in-kind donations as well as volunteer participation. Our goal this year is to provide more than 600 eligible kids with books and toys totaling $35.

Last year, The Rotary Foundation provided an $1,800 grant to support this project. Rotarians and our community donated more than $20,000, which provided two age-appropriate books, two toys and fruit for each of the 542 children from 211 families eligible to participate. Also, the Lafayette County Literacy Council registered 25 children for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library enabling each to receive a free book monthly until age five.

We are honored to receive the wonderful financial support of local business and individual sponsors, as well as the many volunteers who help shop, sort and wrap toys – y’all know who you are and we appreciate you so much.

Taking part in making the Christmas season special for a child is a very rewarding experience and we look forward to everyone’s continued support during the next few months.

Applications are available at ICM (904 N. Lamar) or at the Oxford Housing Authority office at CB Webb apartments. Information on volunteering is available by contacting oxfordchristmasstore@gmail.com or 662-259-7150. The deadline for application processing is no later than November 18.
  

Quentin Brewer

President

Rotary Club of Oxford-Ole Miss