The Union County Christmas Bureau is kicking off its annual "Christmas (Bureau) in July" campaign for the week of July 20–24, with the goal of raising $2,500 to help local families before the holiday season. The campaign highlights the many ways community members can get involved, from donating money to sponsoring a family to hosting a toy drive at their school, business or church.

The Christmas Bureau serves thousands of Union County residents every year. In 2025 alone, the program helped 1,895 individuals, worked with more than 100 community partners, and distributed more than 21,000 gifts and food items to children and seniors in need.

This type of holiday magic takes months of planning, coordination and community support. Monetary donations collected in July give the program more time to purchase supplies, recruit volunteers, and prepare for the thousands of families who will apply for help in the fall.

"The earlier we can begin collecting support, the greater the impact we can make for local families when the holiday season arrives," said Chris Ziegler, Senior Volunteer Coordinator.

All donations made from July 20 through July 24 will go directly toward gift cards for teens. It is one of the most requested and hardest-to-fill needs in the program. Community members can donate directly through the H.O.P.E. for Union County website.

Beyond this week's donation campaign, there are several ways Union County residents, businesses and community groups can support the Christmas Bureau.

Project E.L.F., which stands for Empowering Local Families, connects generous sponsors with local families to make the holidays brighter. Individuals, families, businesses, and community groups can fill out the Family Sponsor Request form at ucgov.info/christmasbureau. Questions can be directed to christmas@unioncountync.gov.

Community groups are encouraged to become Christmas Cheer Champions by hosting toy drives, food drives or gift trees. Whether it is an office, a classroom, a congregation, or a civic group, any team can organize a collection to benefit local children and seniors. Groups can complete the Christmas Cheer Champions Gift Tree form.

In partnership with the Union County Christmas Bureau, the program collects new, unwrapped toys from October through December at drop sites across the County. Businesses, schools, churches, and neighborhoods are encouraged to become a drop site. To request a collection box, contact local Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Coordinator, Bob Griffin at bsgriffiniii@netscape.com.

The Christmas Bureau relies on more than 600 volunteers each year to sort toys, pack food boxes, and help distribute gifts to families. Visit the Christmas Bureau webpage to sign up.

The Christmas Bureau asks that community members keep a few important guidelines in mind when giving. The program can only accept new, unwrapped items. Used toys and clothing cannot be accepted due to safety and condition concerns. Wrapped gifts pose logistical complications as they cannot be inspected or easily sorted.

The Union County Christmas Bureau is a community-powered program led by dedicated staff, supported by generous donors, and made possible through the time and compassion of volunteers. The Christmas Bureau in July campaign runs through Friday, July 24.

Visit the Christmas Bureau webpage to donate, volunteer, sponsor a family, or learn more about the Christmas Bureau.

Follow along on social media all week for daily spotlights on ways to give and get involved.