This is the 43rd year that The Christmas Store Project has worked to provide food for  a holiday meal for individuals and families in need. Last year, the Christmas Store served 473 families.

That number is expected to increase this year. A recent study commissioned by Harvesters showed that in Johnson County MO 16.1% of families (22% of all children) live in poverty. A full 24% of children in the area are food insecure (not knowing if/when their next meal will occur).