A Brief History
The Bedford Community Christmas Station assistance program, now called Christmas Selection eXpress, was our first endeavor as an organization in December of 2006. That first year, we were able to serve 262 families by providing Christmas gifts, household items, food, toys, and used coats.
Since 2008, eligible families have also been given opportunities to attend education workshops before their shopping appointment. Subjects include nutrition, personal finance, anxiety and depression, childcare, and more.
Each year since 2006 we have been honored to continue this program and have now assisted more than 4,000 families during the Christmas season. God has blessed this program from the beginning and is continuing to do so.
2024 Christmas Selection eXpress
We look forward to holding our 2024 CSX on December 10th, 12th, and 14th.
To participate in this program, you must attend one of our eligibility screenings (dates below). Applicants do not need to fill out an application before the screening; an eligibility volunteer will fill it out on-site.
Who qualifies:
- Low-income Bedford County families with children up to age 18 and/or still in high school
- Low-income Bedford County senior citizens (60+)
- Low-income Bedford County disabled adults
Eligibility screenings for this program will be held on the following dates at our building (510 Blue Ridge Ave. Bedford, VA):
- Monday, October 14, 2024, 11am – 2pm
- Monday, October 14, 2024, 5pm – 7pm
- Sunday, October 20, 2024, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
- Thursday, October 24, 2024, 5pm – 7pm
- Saturday, October 26, 2024, 11am – 2pm
- Saturday, November 2, 2024, 2pm – 4pm
Only one person per household may come in to apply. Childcare is not available, and children will not be admitted at screenings.
Parents/Legal Guardians need to bring the following documentation to the screening:
- Photo ID (of the parent/legal guardian)
- (ID must also be brought to the event. If no ID, proof of Bedford County residence is needed.)
- Recent pay stub or other income verification showing monthly income
- Child’s birth certificate or insurance card
- Proof of child custody may be required
- Proof of school enrollment (a report card or letter/email from the school). If the child is home-schooled, bring documentation that the child is registered with Bedford County Schools as a home-schooled student.
Recap of our 2023 Christmas Selection eXpress
We had the privilege of serving 270 families during our 2023 CSX program!
Families with children selected new clothing (2 outfits or an outfit & a coat, PJs, socks, undies, hat & gloves), new toys/teen gifts, new household items, a Christmas decor basket/wreath, and a pantry box. Seniors & disabled adults selected new gifts for themselves or loved ones, new household items, a Christmas decor basket/wreath, and a pantry box.
A special THANK YOU to all the volunteers who made this year’s program a success!
We look forward to our next CSX program in December 2024! Please check back in September 2024 for eligibility screening dates. You must attend one of the screenings and identified as eligible to participate in the program.
In the meantime, if you are in need, we still have a full food pantry you can visit. Come down to the Station between 10am-4pm on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and we’d be glad to assist!
Recap of our 2022 Christmas Selection eXpress (CSX)
During our 2022 Christmas Selection eXpress program held on December 6th, 8th, and 10th, we were honored to serve 282 families that included 475 children and 145 seniors and disabled adults; 790 total people!
Each family received NEW toys, clothes, household goods, Christmas decorations, and a food box loaded with items to make a Christmas dinner, including a turkey!
In all, we’re so grateful to the 135 volunteers who made CSX happen this year! We had shoppers, decorators, volunteer callers, hospitality needs, loaders, department escorts, and more.
