Clark’s Christmas Foundation brings holiday joy to Summit County families

Photo: Clark’s Christmas Foundation

PARK CITY, Utah — Kelli Klunder, Founder and President of Clark’s Christmas Foundation, is on a mission to bring holiday magic to families in need across Summit County. Established just last year, the nonprofit aims to provide curated holiday gifts to children from low-income families, ensuring they can experience the joy of the season while easing the financial strain on parents.

“We primarily focus on families in low-income housing, primarily in Summit County,” Klunder said. “In addition to great programs like Operation Hope and Toys for Tots, Clark’s Christmas Foundation offers a personal touch by allowing sponsors to support a specific family. Sponsors receive a detailed list of requested items, including clothing, sports equipment, books, and toys.”

Last year, Clark’s supported 85 children; this year, the organization hopes to help over 100—a number determined by available funding and community partnerships.

Klunder, who has lived in Park City for a decade, was inspired to create the nonprofit after participating in similar programs in Utah County and St. George. “I wanted something like this for our local community,” she explained. “I wanted people to have the opportunity to sponsor families here in Summit County and know they’re giving back to their neighbors.”

The foundation partners with organizations like Youth United, formerly the Solomon Fund, to connect with families in need. Flyers are distributed through Peace House and the People’s Health Clinic, and Youth United’s social media posts have already helped Clark’s register over 250 children for this year’s program.

Clark’s Christmas Foundation has also forged partnerships with local businesses to boost community involvement. Throughout November, Hill’s Kitchen is donating $1 from every Clark’s Christmas Chai sold—a gingerbread chai latte with nutmeg, cinnamon, and milk. Across the street, Prime IV is contributing a portion of their November package sales. From Nov. 20 to Dec. 12, Barnes & Noble will host a holiday book drive featuring a table of books curated from children’s wish lists. Shoppers can purchase and donate books or choose titles their own children have enjoyed.

For those looking to sponsor a child, the process is simple.

“They can go to our website and fill out a form indicating how many kids they’d like to sponsor,” Klunder said. “We provide all the details—age, interests, favorite colors—to make the shopping experience more personal.”

Sponsors can deliver wrapped gifts to the foundation between Dec. 13 and Dec. 17, ensuring they are distributed to families in time for the holidays.

Volunteers are crucial to the organization’s success, particularly when it comes to wrapping gifts. “Last year, myself, friends, and volunteers from J. Ford Construction wrapped over 600 gifts,” Klunder shared. “This year, I’m hoping to host a gift-wrapping day where families or businesses can come together to help. It’s a fun way to give back while alleviating some of the workload.”

Clark’s Christmas Foundation also supports families facing unexpected hardships, such as job loss or health crises, in addition to those in low-income situations. “One family shared that our program was the reason they were able to have Christmas last year after the father lost his job,” Klunder said. “That’s exactly why we do this.”

Community members and businesses looking to get involved can contact Klunder directly or visit the foundation’s website for more information. Whether through sponsorship, volunteering, or donations, their support ensures every child has a magical holiday season.

“It’s just me running this nonprofit while working a full-time job,” Klunder said. “The support from our community makes it all possible.”