CLAY COUNTY — The Northland Christmas Store, Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to providing aid at Christmastime to Clay County individuals and families in need, excluding the city of Liberty, which has its own Christmas program. The organization’s goal is to see that each person or family has ample food, cleaning supplies and toiletries for the holiday and that each child has gifts to open on Christmas.

The nonprofit was established in 1988 by local organizations including the Rotary and Elks Lodge No. 2376. The Northland Christmas Store has grown from serving 439 families in its first year to serving over 3,000 men, women and children and over 250 senior shut-ins each year.

If there are companies, groups, or other organizations that would like to host a collection drive, they contact the nonprofit via its website, northlandchristmasstore.org.

Monetary donations can be made online or mailed to The Northland Christmas Store, which relies entirely on donations from individuals and organizations to fund its efforts. Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to: The Northland Christmas Store, PO Box 28403, Kansas City, MO 64188-0403.

Volunteers are also needed. Although youth are not allowed in the store during the hours of operation for liability reasons, there are opportunities for scouts, youth groups, school groups and individuals needing community service hours to volunteer. The sign-up form can be found at northlandchristmasstore.org/3/Get-Involved.