Carbondale Police Department hosts Annual Community Christmas Store

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – Close to 100 families gathered at the Carbondale Police Department for a community Christmas event. 

The Community Christmas Store has been a staple that brings the department and the community together for over 20 years. 

This year the community store helped close to 200 children ages 1-10.

Elizabeth Sears is the Crime Victim Advocate for the Carbondale Police Department. She shares the annual event is ran off of donations from community businesses and community members. The department also received a toy grant from the First Responders Children’s Foundation and local Walmart’s, Carbondale Shoe Carnival, a nonprofit organization called ‘Wee Care of Jacob’, and friends of Carbondale library.  

“So, the Carbondale Police Department wants to have a positive presence in the community, especially with our youth” says Sears.  “So, it’s important to us to be able to support them in lots of different ways. But, being able to get them a brand-new coat, a brand-new pair of shoes and two toys per child is just something that is important to us.” 

Sears shares that not only were toys given out, but coats and shoes for children too. Parents got to walk through a room in the police department and pick out a coat, shoes, toys and books for their child.  

 “And the parents are so grateful” says Sears. “Year after year, sometimes it’s their first year, sometimes it’s their fourth year. But either way, we receive so much gratitude from them. Lots of thank you’s, some tears, even.” 

Sears says this event serves as a 24-year connection between the department, the community, and citizens. Letting them know, help is there and available. 

 “I think that it takes a lot for a parent to say I need help, especially on something like Christmas. So, we’re happy to be here to do that” says Sears.