2020 a challenging year for Pulaski County Christmas Store

The year 2020 has been a challenging year for all residents of Pulaski County. The Pulaski County Christmas Store, a nonprofit organization that provides Christmas assistance for children of families in need, was faced with a difficult dilemma.  In past years, parents were able to shop for their children from the inventory maintained by the Christmas Store.  The Christmas Store Board of Directors realized during the summer that providing this shopping experience in a safe manner would not be possible during the pandemic.

The Christmas Store Board decided to make changes in order to hopefully keep everyone safe and still serve the children of the county this year.  The board had to eliminate Grandparents’ Day and did not distribute bulbs for shopping to individuals, churches, schools, and civic organizations.

The board did receive generous monetary donations from many sources, including grants and donations from civic organizations, churches, foundations, and individuals.  Purchase of inventory was done online, and some board members shopped.  The Christmas Store still received large donations from groups like the Christian Bikers, TOYS FOR TOTS, and other regular donors.

Since applications and wish lists could not be taken in person as in the past, the board received applications online, through the mail, and through a drop box at Martin’s Pharmacy in Pulaski.  Board members filled the wish lists for about 480 children and had the bags ready for a contactless pickup on four scheduled distribution days.

The Board missed the in-person shopping and the many dedicated volunteers in our county and hope to return to normal operations in 2021.

From Pulaski County Christmas Store Board of Directors