Shopping with dignity: Annual Christmas store opens to families in need

LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. (KCTV) - The holidays can be expensive, especially if you’re a parent buying gifts for your kids. However, parents in and around Lee’s Summit have helpful options.

The pop-up shop is known as the Lee’s Summit Social Services Christmas store. It opens every year around the holidays, turning the entire warehouse into aisles of toys for kids of all ages, but little ones aren’t doing the shopping.

The store is only open to parents, giving them a private space to shop without the normal hustle and bustle. Every toy is free thanks to Angel Tree donations.

“There is a need here,” Lee’s Summit Social Services Executive Director, Megan Salerno said. “It was recognized in 1992 when this place was started and it’s still ongoing.”

Salerno said her grandmother opened the Social Services warehouse more than three decades ago. The same group has opened the Christmas store since its inception.

“I believe anyone who sees a star and chooses to pick up a gift for one of our children understands we are helping those most in need in our community,” said Salerno.

The Christmas store is open for residents of Lee’s Summit, Lone Jack, Greenwood, and Lake Lotawana. If you are a family in need you can follow this link for help.

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