The organization was formed in 1996 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 1998 under the name The Richland County Children Services Auxiliary. It began when community minded individuals desired to help the children associated with Richland County Children Services receive Christmas gifts. About 50 children received Christmas gifts in its first year. The Christmas Project has grown ever since, serving 1,000 children in 2022.

The original organization served as an Auxiliary to Richland County Children Services for 10 years, providing Christmas gifts, school supplies, lessons, camperships, and many extras requested by caseworkers to support children under the care and supervision of the agency.

In 2007, the organization decided to take on the service that had been provided at The Store on Diamond Street for years. The Richland County Children Services Auxiliary was dissolved and legally changed to Richland County Children’s Auxiliary, reflecting that the organization would serve children throughout Richland County, not just those affiliated with Richland County Children Services.

The New Store opened in September 2007 adopting many of the same procedures that had been used at The Store. The New Store moved to its current location inside the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center building in February 2011.

The Richland County Children’s Auxiliary serves as the organization which provides multiple services to better the lives of over 6,000 children, including: The New Store, the Christmas Project, the Backpack Project, the Winter Coat Project, Anthony’s Kids, and the Youse Scholarship Program.