About Us

Our History

In 2006, former BCCS President Karen Hughes met with a group of Bedford citizens to talk about creating a Christmas assistance program that would provide clothing, toys, household items, and food to low-income households in Bedford in a respectful and dignified manner. The result was the Bedford Community Christmas Station, Inc. 

That year, dedicated citizens donated their time, funds, and merchandise to make it possible to serve 262 families.

In 2008, a board member suggested that we offer workshops to the clients that had been accepted for Christmas assistance. Community members jumped at the opportunity to present workshops on topics like GED prep, personal finance, child safety, child nutrition, parenting tips, diabetes, dental health, stress management, etc. All 140 workshop slots were filled that year! Evaluations for these workshops were extremely positive, and a new tradition was established.

In May of 2013, we received communication from Mr. Earl Childers, a Bedford resident, asking if he could meet with our board to discuss how he could support our program. We were delighted when Mr. Childers offered to give us a building that would serve as our permanent home!

Beginning in 2013, when we moved into our current home, many more families have been provided with Easter goodies, new shoes for school-aged children, and food boxes through our year-round food pantry.

In 2015, our Billy’s Drummer Boy Campaign was created by the generous son of one of our board members.

By 2020, more than 4,000 Bedford County families had received assistance at Christmas time through the Christmas Station. 

In 2020, longtime volunteers Patty Brown and Lori Moorman took on a co-presidency role when Karen Hughes left the organization. Patty and Lori worked hard to continue the mission of BCCS and make important improvements to the building and technology.

In 2024, Patty took on the Presidency role with Lori heading up the Goods Committee and assisting with our Station Fundraising Sales.

A message for Lori from the BCCS family:

Lori, you always represent BCCS in such a positive way everywhere you go. As co-president, you have helped to make so many changes during your 4-year term, which has helped BCCS grow into what it has become today. We continue to be well thought of in the greater Bedford community due to your hard work for the 13 years you have served.

Since 2011, you have served as Goods & Fundraising Committee Chair, Station employee, Vice President, and Co-President. You have enjoyed serving as the Co-Head of the CSX Boys Clothing department from 2011 until 2022. Even though you are stepping down from the Co-President position, you have said you will continue to be a part of the BCCS family. We are so glad you will continue to serve on the Board, as Goods Committee Chair, and help with fundraising sales. GOD bless you and thank you for your 13 years of service!!!

Other “About Us” Information

Some Historical Pictures Showing the Growth of our Organization