Carbondale Police Department to host 24th Annual Community Christmas Store
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — The Carbondale Police Department will host its 24th annual Community Christmas Store for Carbondale residents from Dec. 8–12, 2025.
The program supports families with children ages 1 to 10 who are not receiving holiday gifts from other agencies. The store will be held at the Carbondale Police Department, where parents who register will have the opportunity to shop for new toys for their children. Each child will also receive a new coat and a pair of shoes.
All items available in the store are purchased through community donations. Coats are provided through a coat drive held in partnership with the SIU Athletics Department.
Registration for the program opens Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. To sign up, residents may contact Elizabeth Sears at 618-457-3200, ext. 447. The number of available items will depend on the amount of donations received, so families are encouraged to register early.
“The police department is proud to give back to our community and assist Carbondale families in need,” the department said in a statement. “We extend our sincere thanks to the many local businesses and individuals who have donated toys, funds, and other items to make this program possible.”
Individuals or businesses interested in contributing to the Community Christmas Store may call the police department at 618-457-3200, ext. 447.
The Carbondale Police Department’s mission is to work in partnership with the community to preserve life, protect human rights and property, and improve quality of life through fair, professional, and compassionate service.