article by Jessica Renstrom | photo courtesy of CLDI

For many families in Billings, the holidays come with a mix of excitement and stress. It’s tough to make the holiday season feel magical when you're worried about making ends meet. That tension is what inspired the creation of CLDI’s Christmas Store program. Now entering its 17th year at Orchard Elementary and its 8th year at Riverside Middle School, this heartwarming initiative brings dignity and joy to many local families.

Unlike traditional donation programs, where recipients are given pre-selected items, the Christmas Store operates on a different model: empowerment through choice.

TWO STORES, ONE GOAL

For over 40 years, Community Leadership & Development Inc. (CLDI) has been investing in the South Side of Billings through relationship-driven community development, and the Christmas Store is just one example of that mission in action. Each December, CLDI partners with local schools to host two “stores” where families and students can purchase new gifts at significantly reduced prices, helping make Christmas more joyful and memorable for everyone involved.

At Orchard Elementary, the store is open to parents and guardians of students, who can shop for deeply discounted gifts to place under their Christmas trees. The goal here is to provide dignity and autonomy during a season that can often be financially burdensome.

At Riverside Middle School, it’s the students themselves who get to shop. Using small amounts of money, they can purchase gifts for their parents, siblings, or caretakers – a chance to experience the joy of giving firsthand.

Last year, Orchard served 84 families (representing about 200 kids), and Riverside saw over 350 students shopping. Both stores are made possible thanks to generous community donations and a team of volunteers. Last year alone, over 160 volunteers helped stock shelves, wrap gifts, and serve shoppers.

SPREAD SOME CHEER

Want to make an impact this holiday season? Here’s how you can get involved:

• Purchase and donate brand-new gifts: Drop-offs accepted at Maple Moose at Rail//Line Coffee (104 S. 29th Street, Billings, MT 59101) through December 3rd.
• Volunteer to help with setup, wrapping, assisting shoppers, or clean-up for the stores on December 6 and December 13
• Spread the word to friends, coworkers, or neighbors
• Make a financial contribution through CLDI’s website, where 100% of any remaining funds go back into youth programs and future store operations

Please note: only new, unopened gifts are accepted. Gift ideas range from board games and sports gear to jewelry, headphones, and personal care kits. Items that are small or difficult to price (such as pencils or knick-knacks) are discouraged.

MORE THAN PRESENTS

Beyond the gifts, CLDI’s Christmas Store is providing families with something far more valuable: dignity, joy, and connection.

Questions?

Want to volunteer or donate?

Visit https://cldibillings.org/christmas/ to help give local famalies a Christmas they'll always remember.

Originally printed in the November 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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