Carbondale Police Department opens registration for 25th annual Community Christmas Store

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – The Carbondale Police Department is accepting registrations for its 25th annual Community Christmas Store, which will begin Dec. 7.

The program provides Christmas gifts to Carbondale families with children ages 1 to 10 who are not receiving gifts from other agencies.

Parents who register for the program will be able to shop for new toys for their children at the police department. Families will also receive a new coat and a new pair of shoes for each participating child.

Items are purchased through community donations and coat drives held during Southern Illinois University basketball games.

The SIU Athletics Department will have coat donation boxes at every home basketball game this season. Winter coats of all sizes are welcome.

Registration begins Tuesday, Nov. 3. Parents interested in participating can contact the department’s community service officers at 618-457-3200, ext. 455.

Police said the number of items available will depend on donations received, and families are encouraged to register as soon as possible.

The department thanked local businesses and residents who have supported the program through donations of toys, money and other items.

Individuals or businesses interested in donating can contact Elizabeth Sears at 618-457-3200, ext. 447.