Where Parents in Need Shop for Free – Volunteers Needed

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormon Church) is encouraging people worldwide to “Light the World” by engaging in acts of service this holiday season. This is part of a series of articles we are publishing to highlight local organizations in Colorado that help make the season brighter.

One of those organizations is Christmas Unlimited. Providing service throughout the region for the last 93 years, Christmas Unlimited primarily thrives in supporting children. Last year, Christmas Unlimited served between 9,000 and 11,000 children, each receiving gifts worth $35 to $45.

Christmas Unlimited operates year round, but is in great need during the holiday season to support their Holiday Toy Distribution program. Deserving children are found by distributing applications to more than 40 human service agencies who in turn give them to families they are working with.

Instead of dropping toys off to the selected families, the parents come to a distribution center, which is setup like a retail store. There, parents “shop” for toys for their children. Shelves are restocked four times each day.

Volunteers help stock shelves, collect donations, and support clients with their “shopping” experience. Last year, more than 250 volunteers contributed 14,000+ hours of time, but there is still much to do.

Click here to learn more about how you can volunteer!

As you and your family consider the mission of Jesus Christ this holiday season, I hope you will consider Christmas Unlimited in El Paso County as a place where you can serve as Jesus served and make this season even brighter!

Spread the message of Christ-like service this holiday by using the hashtag #LightTheWorld