Partnerships serving children, teens, and young adults.
The Salt Lake Christmas Box House emergency shelter is a partnership between The Christmas Box International Salt Lake County Youth Services (DYS). We are more than just a shelter. We are a safe haven for children where services come under one roof - shelter, dental well-child care visits, and therapy services.
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Salt Lake Children & Youth Programs
- Christmas Box Resource Room
- Community Reintegration
- Gardening
- Animal Assisted Therapy
- The Book Nook
- Blanket and Buddy
- Music Therapy
- Parent Education Classes
Since 2000, the Salt Lake Christmas Box House has opened its doors to more than 6,000 children in crisis—each one welcomed with warmth, dignity, and love. This impact has only been possible through a powerful partnership between government, nonprofits, and a caring community that believes every child deserves safety and hope.
Our story began over 30 years ago when our President & Founder, Richard Paul Evans, wrote The Christmas Box, a tender story about love, loss, and the true meaning of childhood. Moved by the outpouring of reader response, Richard and his wife Keri turned their hearts toward action. Together with the University of Utah, they asked a life-changing question:
“What is the most important thing we can do for Utah’s abused and neglected children?”
The answer: The Christmas Box House—a safe, comforting place for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. More than just shelter, it is also a critical resource center for families working to prevent future harm and find healing.
This work is made possible by people like you—compassionate individuals and partners who choose to stand with children when they need it most.
We invite you to join us. Together, we can protect childhood, restore dignity, and build a safer tomorrow for Utah’s most vulnerable children.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Celeste Edmunds
Executive Director
The Christmas Box International
