Community Comes Together for Christmas of Hope Shopping Day at Joplin Walmart
JOPLIN, Mo. — The aisles of the Walmart Supercenter on 15th Street buzzed with holiday cheer and organized chaos Wednesday as more than a hundred volunteers descended upon the store for the annual Christmas of Hope shopping spree, organized by the nonprofit Fostering Hope.
“This is our big day,” said Fostering Hope Executive Director Sarah Burch. “This is the day we plan for all year long. It’s when the whole community comes here to shop for all these kiddos that we’re shopping for. We’re shopping for about 520 kids today. We anticipate getting more kids in between now and Christmas. So we’ve already got a lot of volunteers ready to shop, and typically we have 150 or so come out. So it’s a. It’s a chaotic day, but it’s a really fun day.”
The event, now in its 10th year, aimed to fulfill wish lists for nearly 600 foster children in Jasper County and surrounding areas — a record number that reflects both growing need and the community’s unwavering generosity. Volunteers, including families, church groups, school staff, and local business employees, worked in teams to scour the toy, clothing, and essentials departments, matching items to each child’s personalized list.
“I’ve heard so many people say that this really is one of their favorite parts of the holiday season because it truly encompasses what it’s about giving of yourself, thinking beyond your own home, thinking beyond your own circle,” Joplin One Church pastor Shane Munn said. “And that’s what they’re doing. They’re shopping for complete strangers. You know, we don’t even get to see a name. You see that maybe it’s a boy or girl or an age. And then they get to pick out their individual gifts. So you learn a little bit about the personality of that kid. So how cool is that?”
The shopping day kicked off around 9 a.m. and continued until all gifts were purchased, typically wrapping up a little after noon. Donations poured in from businesses and individuals throughout the season, with each $50 contribution sponsoring one child. Recent support included a generous donation from Missouri American Water, whose Joplin office employees raised funds through raffles and other efforts.
“I think that’s what is so great about this program,” Burch said. “It is local and it’s totally based on the generosity of our community. There’s so many kids in foster care in our community. I think most people would be surprised by the number. So it’s helping kids that your kids know in school. You know, maybe they don’t know the circumstances that they’re living in, but there’s a lot of kids that are not able to live with their families right now. And especially at Christmas time, we just want to find a way to come alongside and support them, let them know that their community loves them.”
The program, which began in 2016 as a small initiative by local educators and radio personalities, has grown to involve the entire Joplin School District, faith communities like One Church Joplin, and partners such as NewsTalk KZRG and KISSIN 102.5. Volunteers ensure that every child in foster care — and any who enter the system between now and Christmas — receives gifts to open on Christmas morning.
“It’s neat to see how this has grown into just a complete community effort,” Munn said. “There’s so many businesses, so many schools, so many individuals. You’ll see kids coming in, emptying piggy banks. You’ll see corporations that will give a large chunk. And it’s really neat to see how everybody can get involved in so many different ways.”
Gifts will be bagged and ready for pickup this weekend at One Church Joplin, where families can collect them to place under the tree. The church also hosts a Christmas party for foster families, open to the public.
For those who missed today’s shopping day but want to help, donations are still accepted at fostering-hope.com. Volunteers are always welcome for future events, and the spirit of giving continues through the holiday season.