Union Mills Community Christmas Free Store Brings Holiday Cheer to Families in Need
Union Mills Community Closet
Union Mills, Iowa, December 1st, 2023 — The Union Mills Community Christmas Free Store, an initiative to support families during the holiday season, is set to open its doors for the second year. Founded by a local couple, the store provides Christmas gifts, stocking stuffers, and essential items like socks and underwear to children in need.
Last year, the store successfully served 122 children, a feat the overwhelming community support made possible within three weeks of its conception. This unique store operates under the principle of anonymity, ensuring the privacy of the families it assists. Parents are allowed to shop for their children in a private setting, coordinated by a couple from the organization, keeping the recipients’ identities confidential.
The initiative welcomes any family from the community needing assistance during Christmas. Last year, the store aided families in dealing with various challenges, including medical diagnoses, employment loss, and the rising cost of living. Notably, the store also caters to teenagers, often overlooked in traditional toy drives, by providing suitable gifts and hygiene items.
The Christmas Free Store is a part of the Union Mills Community Closet, a registered nonprofit. Donations received are used for the current year’s store or carried forward to the next year. The organization maintains a transparent record of donations and expenditures, available for public review on its website, ensuring donors’ confidence.
This year, the initiative has garnered support from various local businesses and entities. Notable contributors include First State Bank, Dollar General in New Sharon, Kelli Steil State Farm, and Wyndell Cambell State Farm in Oskaloosa. Additionally, several businesses are contributing financially, including Brett Morris, Edward Jones, and DeJong Manufacturing.
Appointments for shopping at the store can be scheduled starting December 1st and will take place at the Union Mills Christian Church in New Sharon between December 10 and 24. For more information or to schedule an appointment, interested parties can call 641-200-1940 or visit the Union Mills Community Closet website and Facebook page.
The Union Mills Community Christmas Free Store stands as a beacon of hope and generosity in the community, bringing the joy of Christmas to many families during this festive season.
You can find them on Facebook by clicking HERE, or if you’d like to date via PayPal, you can follow this LINK or Venmo at this LINK.
