Our Programs
Our Programs
The Christmas Program
How It Works
The Christmas program provides Christmas gifts to over 1,000 children age birth-18, referred by social service caseworkers that identify the neediest children on their caseload. Each child completes an information sheet with their needs and wants, and generous corporate and private donors “adopt” and shop for that child. Volunteers with the Richland County Children’s Auxiliary and Crossroads Church facilitate the collection of gifts from the donors and distribution of gifts to the families.
How Can I Help?
- Contact the Auxiliary at (419) 565-7505 or info@thenewstore.org indicating your willingness to adopt one or more children. We welcome employee groups to participate or pool funds in order to participate.
- We will provide you with an information sheet indicating the child’s gender, age, sizes, clothing and toy items needed and wanted.
- Please purchase the items listed on the information sheet for each child adopted. Feel free to be creative with age-appropriate toys. Typical expenditure per child is $120 or more.
- Place unwrapped items in a large bag and include information sheet, so we know recipient of gifts.
- Call Auxiliary to arrange pick-up of gifts based on the timeline given, or arrange delivery to The New Store located in the Mid-Ohio Conference Center at 890 West Fourth St. in Mansfield.
- Know that a child in Richland County is enjoying a special holiday thanks to your generosity.
- Another option is to write a check to the Auxiliary, and our volunteers will do the shopping for you! We spend approximately $120+ per child.
How Can I Receive Help?
- Families must be referred from one of the numerous social service agencies we partner with.
- Families are unable to apply or refer themselves for this program.
The New Store
How It Works
To be eligible for The New Store, a child must be enrolled in the free/reduced lunch program or observed by school staff to be in need. We assist children who will be enrolled in preschool through 8th grade at any of the school districts in Richland County (referrals are also accepted by RCJFS caseworkers, Harmony House, DVS). The school office must fax or scan & e-mail the referral and then the parent or Guardian must call The New Store to schedule an appointment at (419) 565-7505. Parent or Guardian must be willing to complete an application for TANF services prior to their visit.
How Can I Help?
You can make a donation here:
How Can I Receive Help?
If you meet the above criteria, contact your child’s school to request a referral to The New Store.
The Backpack Program
How It Works
The Richland County Children’s Auxiliary works with Richland County Children’s Services–Kinship, Richland County JFS and Youth and Family Council, along with additional agencies for referrals. These programs supply 2,000+ backpacks by gender and grade level. Each year the Auxiliary determines how the backpacks will be distributed, and with the help of Crossroads Church, we help families prepare their children for success in school.
How Can I Help?
Contact The New Store at (419) 565-7505 to donate school supplies.
How Can I Receive Help?
- Families must be referred by Richland County JFS and Richland County Children’s Services.
- Families are unable to apply or refer themselves for this program.
Anthony's Kids
How It Works
Anthony’s Kids was formed in 2014 to honor the life and legacy of Anthony Molnar. He was an avid outdoorsman. Teachers from Malabar Intermediate School and Richland School of Academic Arts identify well behaved children in the 4th and 5th grades who could benefit from the experience of spending a week at Hidden Hollow Summer Camp. This program currently supports 12-15 students per summer. The Auxiliary funds the camp fees and takes the child shopping for all the supplies required for camp. Auxiliary volunteers provide the transportation for the students to and from camp in the summer.
How Can I Help?
You can make a donation here:
How Can I Receive Help?
- Families must be referred by Malabar Intermediate School and Richland School of Academic Arts
- Families are unable to apply or refer themselves for this program.
Youse Scholarship Program
How It Works
The Youse Scholarship Fund has helped pay for children to participate in an extracurricular activity the child’s family could not otherwise afford. This program has existed for numerous years but has been limited to Kinship families referred by Richland
County Children’s Services. In 2022 we expanded this program to include high school students and kids involved in other local recreational programs. As a result, we have helped 20 kids in just 6 months!
How Can I Help?
You can make a donation here:
How Can I Receive Help?
- School aged children throughout Richland County, identified as needing financial assistance to participate.
- Must be referred by Athletic Director, Principal, Coach, Case Worker, etc.
Examples Of What Can Be Funded
- Sports equipment
- Musical Instruments
- Karate Lessons
- Uniform fees
- 4H Books
- Camp registration
- And More
The Winter Coats Program
How It Works
Each year, the Richland County Children’s Auxiliary hosts a Winter Coat Giveaway, where 1,000 winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves are given away to children throughout Richland County. Students who have attended a Dressing Day at The New Store, along with families from Richland County Children’s Services – Kinship Program, are invited for a 1 night event which is typically held in early November. All our winter coats are new, handpicked off-season by our expert shopping team. We offer a variety of high-quality, brand-name coats to keep students warm during cold weather. In 2022, we were thrilled to partner with Cleveland Cliffs and the Cleveland Cavaliers to make the event bigger and better than ever! The Cleveland Cavaliers donated free meals to the families in attendance and we had spouses, moms and wives of Cavalier players and coaches in attendance to lend a hand and help kids pick out coats! Witnessing the joy on children’s faces and knowing they’re equipped for the winter months enhances our satisfaction in this winter coats program.
How Can I Help?
Have a winter coat or hat & mitten drive. We accept new coats in all sizes from 3T – Adult XXL.
Contact The New Store at (419) 565-7505 for delivery times/help.
Or you can make a donation here:
How Can I Receive Help?
- Families are unable to apply or refer themselves for this program.