The Christmas Store opened on Wednesday, December 11th, and finally close on Monday, December 23rd.  The store is open from 10-6 daily, excluding Sundays.

How it Began

Our free Christmas store began more than 3 decades ago with a few donated gifts. The whole thing operated out of a small closet. Last year, 30,752 children received gifts. Executive Director Tillie Burgin recalls that people were being evicted in January, because they had to choose between paying their bills or getting Christmas gifts for their children.  The “Christmas Store” allowed them to do both.

God Gives, You Give, We Give

We believe that Mission Arlington^® belongs to the Lord, and that all good gifts come from Him (James 1:17).  At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Christ, knowing that God gave His only Son, so that all who receive Him might have eternal life (John 3:16).  As we trust God for His provisions, our community responds faithfully & generously with such love. People have learned that truly “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). The Christmas gifts in our store come from the loving hands and hearts of our community. People from all walks of life give, so that our community’s children will have something under their tree.  Beyond the gifts, more than 7,000 of you will volunteer in the store – managing the stock, helping people shop, wrapping gifts, and so much more.

The Store & the Story

Our free Christmas Store is about the way people are cared for as they receive Christmas gifts for their family.  It truly is a “Christmas Store,” where all gifts are provided for free – and even wrapped.  Yet, there is a deeper meaning to the Store, because we tell the “Christmas Story” to everyone who comes through. Last year, we were able to tell that story in 7 different languages (English, Spanish, Korean, Farsi, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Sign). Hundreds of people are hearing this “old, old story,” and making first time commitments to Christ, or recommitting their hearts to Him.  We know that the gifts unwrapped under the tree on Christmas Day will wear out eventually, but the gift of eternal life lasts forever.

The Store Continues through December 23rd

The Christmas Store will stay open every day from 10-6 through Monday, December 23rd.  We will be in the offices early on Christmas Eve through sometime in the early afternoon. Please help us spread the word far and wide, so that no child in the Arlington/Grand Prairie area will be missed.  Come join us in the Christmas efforts when you can.  Bring your family.  Together, we can make a difference.  We are grateful for you.