SALT LAKE CITY — One charity, Christmas Box International, provides Christmas for about 2,500 at-risk children. This year, they are calling on Utahns to help.

“Safety isn’t seasonal,” said Richard Paul Evans, founder and chair of The Christmas Box International in a press release. “We serve children 365 days a year and need to make Christmas happen at our emergency shelters and resource centers for families served by the state within our community.”

The charity works in partnership with Salt Lake County and the Division of Child & Family Services and is accepting donations of all kind.

The Christmas Box International was started by a husband and wife and additionally serve those transitioning from foster care into adulthood, and young adults who are facing homelessness.

Ranging from shirts and toys to gift cards and more, campaign organizers say the children are only looking for a sense of “normalcy and belonging.” Sometimes, a new shirt with a tag can provide that for them. 

Donors are encouraged to give back in a way that is meaningful to them. 

Annually, children go without gifts on Christmas and some without shelter. The Christmas Box International is just one resource in Utah to help a child feel warmth during the holidays. 

There are online Christmas Wish Lists of the specific needs of children and families.

Donations are accepted Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Drop-off location sites are available on the Project Elf page. 

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