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Organization: Community Services League
Rep: Michael Levine | Executive Director
404 N. Noland Rd, Independence, MO 64051
www.cslcares.org | (816) 254-4100
CSL's CHRISTMAS STORES OPEN TUESDAY DECEMBER 13th THROUGHOUT EASTERN JACKSON COUNTY
Started on Tuesday, December 13th, Community Services League opened five Christmas stores throughout Eastern Jackson County to provide food and gifts for more than 1,500 families (more than 5,500 individuals) in need and gifts/contributions are still in demand.
"We have seen a dramatic increase in demand for gifts and meals so far," said Nancy Martin, one of the longtime volunteers who helps organize the Noland Road (Independence) Christmas Store. "We are really short on toys for boys and girls ages 9-16."
CSL's Director of Operations, Pat Farrell stated, "CSL locations throughout the county have recorded double-digit increases in families participating in the Christmas Store. Our goal is not to turn away anyone who needs our assistance but with the increase in registrations, it makes meeting everyone's needs a challenge."
The Christmas Stores, which are almost entirely volunteer-driven, began in 1982. Each store allows pre-screened families to sign up for specific time slots so they can shop, choose their own gifts, clothing, toys and holiday meals at no cost. The five stores are located in Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove and Independence at the Noland Road and Fairmount locations. In 2010, CSL served 4,915 individuals through its five area Christmas Stores. This year officials estimate the number of individuals needing assistance to grow by 10% or greater.
CSL's Director of Development, Doug Cowan, said, "We really need the support of the community right now. We have one day left until the stores open and we are still in need of toys and food. Our neighbors in need are depending on us to have a Merry Christmas. We are accepting donations of any new, unwrapped toy; food; clothing and monetary assistance. " Cowan added that, based on CSL's tremendous buying power, cash contributions can really have a substantial impact on providing for clients this time of the year.
Anyone interested in making a contribution to the CSL Christmas Store program can do so by donating toys, gifts or cash/checks at any of the CSL locations or by making a gift online at www.cslcares.org. All contributions are tax-deductible and help CSL meet its almost century-old mission of helping residents of Eastern Jackson County move from poverty to self-sufficiency.
Christmas Store hours are:
Noland Road (Independence)
Wednesday, December 14th through Tuesday,December 20th, 9am - 4pm
Fairmount (Independence)
Tuesday, December 13th and Thursday, December 15th,9am - 4pm
Blue Springs - Thursday, December 15th, 9am - 4pm
Grain Valley - Wednesday, December 14th, 8am - 6pm
Oak Grove - Thursday, December 15th, 8am - 6pm
-Susanne Thompson-Wright | Grants & Communications Manager
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