This month, the Oxford-Ole Miss Rotary Club and Interfaith Compassion Ministry officially kick off The Christmas Store — a community-wide endeavor in its 40th year of service providing children in Oxford and Lafayette County gifts during the Christmas season.

The Oxford-University community support has been outstanding both in terms of monetary and in-kind donations as well as volunteer participation.

Last year, The Rotary Foundation provided a $2,000 grant to support this project. Rotarians and our community donated more than $23,000, which provided two age-appropriate books, two toys and fruit for each of the 625 children from 240 families eligible to participate. Also, the Oxford-Lafayette Literacy Council registered 55 children for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library enabling each to receive a free book monthly until age 5.

We are honored to receive the wonderful financial support of local business and individual sponsors, as well as the many volunteers who help shop, sort and wrap toys — y’all know who you are and we gratefully thank you.

Taking part in making the Christmas season special for a child is a very rewarding experience and we look forward to everyone’s continued support during the next few months.

Applications may be obtained from ICM at 904 North Lamar Boulevard and information on volunteering is available by contacting oxfordchristmasstore@gmail.com or 662-259-7150. The deadline for application processing is no later than Nov. 20.

Matt Bishop

President