Christmas Connection expands to more Oklahoma families in need

MOORE, Okla. (KFOR) - Oklahomans in need will now have new shopping opportunities starting in early spring!

Christmas Connection is building on its holiday tradition and moving to a new location to serve families in a much larger and renovated space this spring. It's expanding its mission and space to serve 10,000 Oklahoma families in 2024, not just at the Christmas season – but all year long.

“The needs of our Oklahoma neighbors are not limited to one season but continue year-round. Christmas Connection is growing to the next level to help meet those needs, and we already have a long list of people to serve,” said April Jolley, Christmas Connection CEO. "Our increased services will ensure that every family member receives the clothing essentials they need, promoting dignity and choice beyond the festive season and serving families in crisis.”

Christmas Connection leadership says it is moving to a larger retail space in Moore with an additional 6,000 square feet of shopping space. The new facility, set to open its doors in spring 2024, will not only continue the tradition of dignified holiday shopping but will also expand the organization’s reach from 6,000 to 10,000 individuals each year.

Shopping at the store is available by appointment for families who have been referred by community partner agencies.

“To ensure we are efficiently serving families in the community with the most pressing needs, we work together with partner agencies such as schools, churches and nonprofits to refer families to Christmas Connection,” Jolley continued. “We are currently seeking additional partner organizations for referrals to help meet the growing needs in the community.”

Christmas Connection’s year-round program allows shoppers to select three outfits for the season, a pair of pajamas, a pair of shoes, three pairs of socks and underwear and one coat or outerwear item for each family member. Families can also access toiletries and household items on an emergency basis in the case of fire, flooding, domestic abuse and other crisis situations.

This past Christmas, the organization assisted 875 families over 12 days, providing 8,232 toys for more than 2,800 Oklahoma children to unwrap on Christmas morning. In addition, Christmas Connection’s holiday shopping program provided 4,013 coats, more than 12,000 HUGS (hats, underwear, gloves, socks), 800+ rolls of wrapping paper and 2,000+ Christmas decorations to families in the Oklahoma City metro area.

Organizations interested in partnering with Christmas Connection may contact April Jolley at ceo@christmasconnection.org. In addition, monetary contributions to the nonprofit will support the purchase of clothing, shoes, outerwear and essential household items for those in need. To make an online gift, visit christmasconnection.org or mail a donation to Christmas Connection, P.O. Box 1175, Edmond, OK 73083.