A Brief History
The Bedford Community Christmas Station assistance program, now called Christmas Selection eXpress, was our first endeavor as an organization in December of 2006. That first year, we were able to serve 262 families by providing Christmas gifts, household items, food, toys, and used coats.
Since 2008, eligible families have also been given opportunities to attend education workshops before their shopping appointment. Subjects include nutrition, personal finance, anxiety and depression, childcare, and more.
Each year since 2006, we have been honored to continue this program and have now assisted more than 4,000 families during the Christmas season. God has blessed this program from the beginning and is continuing to do so.
2026 Christmas Selection eXpress (CSX)
Our 2026 Christmas Selection eXpress program will be held this year on:
- Tuesday, December 8th
- Thursday, December 10th
- Saturday, December 12th
Who qualifies for our Christmas Selection eXpress program?
- Low-income Bedford County families with children up to age 18 and/or still in high school
- Low-income Bedford County senior citizens (60+)
- Low-income Bedford County disabled adults
To participate in this program, you must attend one of our eligibility screenings (dates below). Applicants do not need to fill out an application before the screening; an eligibility volunteer will fill it out on-site. (510 Blue Ridge Ave. Bedford, VA):
- Monday, October 12, 2026, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Monday, October 12, 2026, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Sunday, October 18, 2026, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
- Saturday, October 24, 2026, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Thursday, November 5, 2026, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Only one person per household may come in to apply. Childcare is not available during screening times; children will not be admitted.
Parents/Legal Guardians need to bring the following documentation to the screening:
- Photo ID (of the parent/legal guardian)
- A recent pay stub or other income verification showing monthly income
- Child’s birth certificate or insurance card
- Proof of child custody may be required
- Proof of school enrollment (a report card or letter/email from the school). If the child is home-schooled, bring documentation that the child is registered with Bedford County Schools as a home-schooled student.
2025 Christmas Selection eXpress (CSX)
We had the privilege of serving 321 Bedford County families during our 2025 CSX program, including 504 children and teens and 168 seniors and adults with disabilities.
Families with children selected new clothing (2 outfits, PJs, socks, undies, hat, and gloves), new toys/teen gifts, new household items, a Christmas decor basket/wreath, and a pantry box. Seniors and disabled adults selected new gifts for themselves or loved ones, new household items, a Christmas decor basket/wreath, and a pantry box.
It takes dozens of volunteers to make this program a success! From the check-in desk, client escorts, and department heads and helpers, to car loaders and the hospitality crew providing food for volunteers; we’re so thankful for everyone who gives of their time to assist our families in need.
