In the summer of 1981, Barbara ( Thomas ) Fagin, with the Community Action Agency, arranged to have lunch with Margarett Edinger from the Department of Human Services. They met at Jamil's, at Lincoln & 50th. Barbara wanted to talk with Margarett about an idea she had...

Shortly after that, the two linked up with Bette Newton, of the Catholic Social Ministries, and Joe Nelson. The four began to meet at each other's homes to turn this plan into action...

A plan to help needy families at Christmas time with a department-store-like place where they could receive help for their families with pride and dignity...

The found a place - an abandoned warehouse on Couch Drive, across from the Civic Center, owned by the law firm of Fagin, Hewett, Matthews & Fagin, P.C....

...they fought for a permit and parking spaces

...they begged for hangers from dry cleaners

With priceless publicity from Leland and Vicki Gourley and the Friday newspaper...with used clothing, housewares, and a truckload of potatoes...with $11,000 cash to puchase new toys, socks and underwear...with no heat and no water...

Beulah Davis, Joe Nelson, Margarett Edinger, Bette Newton, and Barbara Fagin: celebrating the first Christmas Connection

We currently have 4 program areas. Our first and primary is our Christmas Shopping Days, and then we have the Spring Fling, Back to School and our Book Link Program. For more details on any of our programs please contact us.

Christmas Shopping Days - For 7 days in December Christmas Shopping Days provides families with the opportunity to create wonderful loving memories of when their family was together and their desires were fulfilled. Not every desire in this life is to be fulfilled, but if they have a memory of a family atmosphere and a holiday that was special because someone in their family brought it to them, we will have fulfilled a role as a willing vessel of giving and making that moment possible.
That may seem like a small action on an adult's part, but it is a large impression in the mind and memory of a child. These memories are what children will carry forward to create their own Christmas traditions when they grow-up. What a wonderful gift we are giving our children.

Spring Fling - In the spring we again open our doors for families and seniors to receive summer clothing.

School Connection - School supplies and uniforms are provided to low-come students through out Oklahoma County through two different ways. Back Pack Shopping Days is held in August. Students are able to get the necessary supplies to begin the school year. School Shopping Days is held through out the school year. Students are able to shop for school uniforms and supplies when needed.

Fire relief
Families come to shop at The Christmas Connection when they have lost their home in a fire. The families do not have nay insurance and our store provides them with an opportunity to select the very necessary items to rebuild their home. Items such as dishes, bedding, towels, furniture and an alarm clock to get up for school and work.
All of the items are given from the community with the hopes that they make a difference in someone else’s life.