Breakthrough’s “Christmas Store” Returns to Garfield Park

Breakthrough Urban Ministries is reopening its annual Christmas Store this holiday season, giving West Side families a dignified and joyful way to access gifts. The store will open on Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Breakthrough FamilyPlex, 3219 W. Carroll Ave., serving residents of Garfield Park and families involved in Breakthrough programs.

The pop-up store allows parents to “shop” for new gifts at significantly reduced prices or at no cost, using donated items and “Breakthrough Bucks.” The model is designed to respect families’ autonomy and preserve the celebratory spirit of the season.

How the Community Can Help

Breakthrough is inviting donors and volunteers to support the store through:

• Purchasing new gifts to stock the store.
• Financial donations to help buy gifts and wrapping supplies.
• Hosting gift drives using Breakthrough’s printable wishlists.

Unwrapped gifts and wrapping supplies can be dropped off at the FamilyPlex during regular hours (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.). Weekend drop-offs will be rescheduled for the next business day. The deadline for gift donations is Thursday, Dec. 18.

Registration and Eligibility

Families connected to Breakthrough’s youth programs, Fresh Market, housing services, violence-prevention initiatives, and workforce-development programs can register through their program leadership.

Additional registration windows include:

• Youth Network families: Dec. 1–12.
• Fresh Market shoppers: Beginning Nov. 18 at 3334 W. Carroll Ave. during designated hours.
• Community members: Dec. 15 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the FamilyPlex, while space remains available.

Families in Breakthrough’s adult-support and workforce programs are encouraged to reach out to their program leads for registration instructions.

A West Side Tradition of Giving

Breakthrough’s Christmas Store is part of the organization’s larger commitment to equitable support for families in Garfield Park and surrounding West Side communities. At a time when many households are dealing with rising costs and holiday-season strain, the store provides a joyful, respectful alternative to emergency relief, centering empowerment and community care.

For more information, click here. Residents can contact Breakthrough Urban Ministries at (773) 722-1144.