Operation Christmas Kids

12/25/2025

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

11/27/2025

Just a reminder that applications for the Angel tree are closed. The deadline was November 16th. We will not be accepting any new applicants. We have to give shoppers time to gather items and get them returned to us. If are in need of assistance but missed our deadline I encourage you to reach out to the local schools program or check with local churches.

11/26/2025

✨ Operation Christmas Kids Angel Tree – Important Clarification ✨
We want to clear up some ongoing confusion about the Operation Christmas Kids Angel Tree.
First and foremost, this program is NOT affiliated with the school. We took it over during the Covid shutdown when the school stepped away from it, and they chose not to resume it afterward. I understand the school now has its own program, but I was not aware that theirs does not include the younger children.
In previous years, we sent letters home with every student—over 600 copies, paid for personally—to ensure families knew about our Angel Tree. This year, for several reasons, we chose not to send those letters. Instead, we shared information on multiple social media pages, in the newspaper, and on our dedicated page: Operation Christmas Kids.
Over the past two years, we’ve updated our guidelines to follow national poverty standards. This helps ensure the families who truly need help are the ones receiving it. The intention of this program has always been to support children who may otherwise go without—not to provide “extra gifts,” but to make sure Christmas happens for those who need it most.
Unfortunately, having multiple Angel Trees in our small community has caused confusion for parents and for those wanting to adopt an angel. To stay informed, I strongly encourage everyone to follow the Operation Christmas Kids page for accurate updates.
I cannot control how the school runs their program or who they include. And yes, it is very possible that some children appear on both lists. To protect privacy, I do not cross-reference names with the school, and I am the only person who sees the names on our list. While I hope no one takes advantage of the generosity of our community, I also understand it may happen—but the important thing is that children still have a Christmas.
Please remember: every Angel Tree program—ours included—is run entirely by volunteers who choose to serve out of kindness. No one is required to do this; we do it because we care.
There are several ways to stay updated—simply choose what works best for you. ❤️🎄

11/16/2025

Just a reminder to parents that today is the last day to sign kids up! Head over to the website and fill out the easy form! One submission per child. https://www.juniorsgeneralstore.com/operation-christmas-kids

🎄✨ It’s our favorite time of the year again — Operation Christmas Kids is BACK for Year 5! 🎁 This is our local Angel Tree program that helps make Christmas a little brighter for children right here in the Illini Central community.

📝 Please note:

No paper forms will be sent through the schools this year.

All info can be found right here on our page, in the Banner Times, and on Junior’s General Store website.

Applications are now open and can be filled out online through the website!

💻 Don’t have internet access? Stop by Junior’s General Store (153 E Chestnut St, Mason City, IL) during business hours and we’ll help you fill out the form.

💡 We now have a designated Operation Christmas Kids section on the website — just click it, fill out the form, and hit submit! You’ll receive a confirmation text or call once we receive your form.

📋 A few important reminders:

The program is for children ages 0–18 who live in the Illini Central school district. Must be in school if they are older.

It is your responsibility to update us with any changes in contact information. Failure to do so could potentially result in you not receiving your items in a timely manner.

Proof of residency and/or school attendance may be required.

One form must be filled out per child.

Household income must be included — this helps ensure the program continues to support families who truly need assistance.

Unfortunately, families outside the district or those adding children who do not live full-time here are not eligible. Please be honest — this program exists because of our community’s kindness. 💛

🎅 Important Dates:

🗓️ Application Deadline: November 16th

🎁 Gift Drop-Off Deadline: December 12th

🚗 Gift Pick-Up: Sunday, December 14th, 10am–3pm at Junior’s General Store

No delivery available.

Please arrange for someone to pick up your items if you cannot.

Early pick-up may be available if your items are ready — we’ll notify you.

❤️ Want to Adopt an Angel?
We’d love your help! If you’d like to adopt a child this year, send us a message or comment below and we’ll get you added to our list. Once applications are in, we’ll start matching angels right away.

All angels remain confidential — each child is assigned a number and no names are shared.

🎄 This program continues because of the incredible generosity and love from our community. Thank you for helping us make Christmas magical for local kids once again!

For questions or assistance, contact:
📞 Rachel Mulford — 217-737-1278
🏪 Or stop by Junior’s General Store during normal business hours.

💻 Apply now or learn more: https://www.juniorsgeneralstore.com/operation-christmas-kids

10/30/2025

🎄✨ It’s our favorite time of the year again — Operation Christmas Kids is BACK for Year 5! 🎁 This is our local Angel Tree program that helps make Christmas a little brighter for children right here in the Illini Central community.

📝 Please note:

No paper forms will be sent through the schools this year.

All info can be found right here on our page, in the Banner Times, and on Junior’s General Store website.

Applications are now open and can be filled out online through the website!

💻 Don’t have internet access? Stop by Junior’s General Store (153 E Chestnut St, Mason City, IL) during business hours and we’ll help you fill out the form.

💡 We now have a designated Operation Christmas Kids section on the website — just click it, fill out the form, and hit submit! You’ll receive a confirmation text or call once we receive your form.

📋 A few important reminders:

The program is for children ages 0–18 who live in the Illini Central school district. Must be in school if they are older.

It is your responsibility to update us with any changes in contact information. Failure to do so could potentially result in you not receiving your items in a timely manner.

Proof of residency and/or school attendance may be required.

One form must be filled out per child.

Household income must be included — this helps ensure the program continues to support families who truly need assistance.

Unfortunately, families outside the district or those adding children who do not live full-time here are not eligible. Please be honest — this program exists because of our community’s kindness. 💛

🎅 Important Dates:

🗓️ Application Deadline: November 16th

🎁 Gift Drop-Off Deadline: December 12th

🚗 Gift Pick-Up: Sunday, December 14th, 10am–3pm at Junior’s General Store

No delivery available.

Please arrange for someone to pick up your items if you cannot.

Early pick-up may be available if your items are ready — we’ll notify you.

❤️ Want to Adopt an Angel?
We’d love your help! If you’d like to adopt a child this year, send us a message or comment below and we’ll get you added to our list. Once applications are in, we’ll start matching angels right away.

All angels remain confidential — each child is assigned a number and no names are shared.

🎄 This program continues because of the incredible generosity and love from our community. Thank you for helping us make Christmas magical for local kids once again!

For questions or assistance, contact:
📞 Rachel Mulford — 217-737-1278
🏪 Or stop by Junior’s General Store during normal business hours.

💻 Apply now or learn more: https://www.juniorsgeneralstore.com/operation-christmas-kids

12/25/2024

12/14/2024

Reminder: If you have adopted a child for Christmas we need the gifts back today. You can drop them off at Juniors General Store between 9-3pm today.

12/12/2024

Pick up info for Angel tree kiddos!
This will be sent via text to the number you provided at sign up. Please make arrangements if you are not able to make it. There will NOT be another pick up date! Please plan accordingly.
*if your child’s gifts are back before hand I will reach out for early pick up.
Pick up will be at Juniors General Store.

11/27/2024

We are down to 1 angel left this year!

11/27/2024

We are down to 7 Angels!