KSHB 41 reporter Claire Bradshaw covers eastern Jackson County, including Blue Springs and Independence. Share your story idea with Claire.
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The holidays can be magical for children yet a financial burden for parents.
Lee’s Summit Social Services works every year to make Christmas shopping easier.
Its annual Christmas store opens Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 10:00 a.m. and will be open through Dec. 20. The store is only available to LSSS clients, but families can register by meeting with a caseworker.
This year, Megan Salerno, LSSS executive director, said more than 940 children have already signed up. She expects that number to reach 1,000 before the cut-off on Dec. 16.
“This community that we have has always been very supportive of our agency and helping us continue our mission in this community," Salerno said. "And I am always surprised, believe it or not, but I do see it year after year. It never wavers."
Families provide LSSS with wishlists. Then, those items are written on stars and hung on Christmas trees at local businesses.
The community then purchases those items for the parents to “shop” from at the Christmas store. While it is free for families, it still gives them a sense of normalcy during the holidays.
“So it kind of gives them that ability to really hone in on what their child might like, and it's on trend with what their peers are going to be getting," Salerno said. "And so I think it's just a really fun experience. It really kind of brings a lightheartedness to an otherwise very heavy situation."
LSSS serves families in Lee’s Summit, Greenwood, Lone Jack and Lake Lotawana.
People can donate money online here if they cannot find a wishlist star.
