Who We Are
Christmas in July, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 organization that plans a day of fun and gift giving for the homeless children in Broward County, Florida.
Our History
The concept of Christmas in July came about in 2001 when then Kiwanis Division 23 Lt. Governor, Dr. Celia Earle, performed research on the plight of homeless children in Broward County, Florida. She discovered that there were hundreds of the County’s students who could not list a home address because they were in shelters. This does not include the hundreds of homeless children under the age of five. She also realized that their number one need was underwear, followed by shoes, and then clothing. She implored the other Kiwanis clubs in the Division to make a difference in the lives of these unfortunate children from newborns to age 19 and they bought into the idea. She also reached out to the Broward County Board of County Commissioners who embraced the concept and set up collection facilities at their court houses.
Thus, Christmas in July was born. This event provides a ray of hope to children who do not end up in these homeless facilities due to any fault of their own, but due to unfortunate circumstances. It would show them that others truly care about their plight.
In the last 18 years, to date the event has served over 35,000 children. This year the numbers of homeless children are still being compiled but as of 2020 there were 4,200 in the school system. At the time this figure was a record breaking number and are expected to be almost as high again.
Thus, Christmas in July was born. This event provides a ray of hope to children who do not end up in these homeless facilities due to any fault of their own, but due to unfortunate circumstances. It would show them that others truly care about their plight.
In the last 18 years, to date the event has served over 35,000 children. This year the numbers of homeless children are still being compiled but as of 2020 there were 4,200 in the school system. At the time this figure was a record breaking number and are expected to be almost as high again.
Our Partners
The event is organized in conjunction with our partners, which are Florida Kiwanis Division 23 and Division 24, which are part of Kiwanis International, and the Broward County Board of Commissioners.
