The Champion Life Foundation is seeking donations of toys, clothing and other items to give to youngsters in need this Christmas.
Dec. 4 is the deadline for the Christmas present drive, and the items will be distributed to families on Dec. 9 at what the foundation calls its Christmas Store event.
The Champion Life Foundation is a nonprofit organization affiliated with Gracelife Chapel (formerly Victory Church), with churches at 1 Victory Drive in Pevely and 1000 N. Main St. in De Soto.
While the Champion Life Foundation has been collecting items for children for a couple of years, the group expanded the collection for the 2023 holiday season after a similar program ended last year.
“I found out Jefferson Toys and More was ending because its founder, Kathy Ogle, was retiring from it,” said Laura Borman, the Champion Life Foundation outreach director. “I thought it was an important program to continue. The Champion Life Foundation program started two years ago to serve the Dunklin and De Soto school districts and the Missouri Children’s Division’s Family Centered Services program.
“We’ve broadened our program so it now has seven school districts: Crystal City, Festus, De Soto, Dunklin, Grandview, Hillsboro and Windsor, as well as those served by the Jefferson-Franklin Community Action Corporation.”
Ogle said she is thrilled that Champion Life Foundation has expanded its Christmas-present program.
“I did it for 39 years,” Ogle said. “I talked to Laura and she said her church had enough in their congregation to take it up. Absolutely, I approve of them carrying on with the toy distribution. The need is definitely there.”
The expansion greatly increases the number of youngsters served through program, Borman said.
“Last year, we did 175 kids. We’ve already finished our applications for this year and will serve up to 600,” she said.
The program serves children up to age 18.
Borman said the school districts and organizations served by the program choose the families who receive Christmas gifts.
“We set up a Christmas Store at the De Soto Gracelife Chapel location where the parents are able to obtain presents for free,” Borman said. “There’s not a monetary limit on what the parents can choose. The parents may get three or four presents per child.”
She said the group is seeking donations of toys for the younger children and age-appropriate clothing gifts for teens. All donated items should be new.
Borman said the Champion Life Foundation will hold toy and clothing donation drives Nov. 25-26 and Dec. 2-3 at the Twin City Walmart, 650 S. Truman Blvd.
In addition, people also may drop off donations at the following locations up to Dec. 4.
■ Wright Financial, 1108 N. Truman Blvd., Crystal City.
■ U.S. Title, 502 S. Truman Blvd., Festus.
■ The Wandering Bean at Hillsboro United Methodist Church, 4810 Hwy. B.
■ Daily Flavors, 34 E. Main St., Festus.
■ The Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery, 6116 Second St., Kimmswick.
■ Borman Propane, 132 Hwy. CC, De Soto.
■ Bordeau Dance Studio, 408 Main St., De Soto.
■ De Soto Chamber of Commerce, 47 Jefferson Square, De Soto.
Borman said Champion Life Foundation will begin its collection for the 2024 Christmas season next summer, likely in July.
“We’re just really excited about (the effort),” Borman said. “We like to help the parents.”
For more information, send emails to laura.borman@gracelifechapel.co or call Gracelife Chapel at 636-475-3000.