Our mission is simple:
every child deserves a childhood.
The Christmas Box International works to prevent child abuse and defend children through a culture of universal diversity, inclusion, and love.
We partner with local, national, and international groups to improve the quality of life for children, teens, and young adults who are victims of abuse, neglect, trafficking, or are facing homelessness.
In 1996, founder and New York Times best-selling author Richard Paul Evans created a safe place for Utah’s children — a Christmas Box House — naming the charity after his first novel, The Christmas Box. What began as a single refuge has grown into a statewide network of emergency shelters, resource rooms, and youth programs dedicated to restoring hope and dignity.
Today, The Christmas Box International serves 14,000 children and young adults every year. From offering immediate shelter and comfort to children escaping abuse, to providing essentials through our Resource Rooms, to empowering teens transitioning out of foster care, our work ensures that every young person we serve feels seen, valued, and loved.
Through programs like Project Elf, we make the holidays brighter for children who might otherwise go without. Each gift and warm item serves as a reminder that their community believes in them and that they are not forgotten.
Our mission continues because of generous community members, businesses, and foundations who share our belief that every child deserves a childhood. Together, we’re defending children 365 days a year — and changing the story for generations to come.
Meet Our Team
As Executive Director, Celeste understands what the children served at The Christmas Box Houses are going through. She went through it herself. Her biological parents were drug addicts, and her childhood was an ongoing cycle of police calls, fighting, and abuse on all levels. At the age of 8, Celeste was taken from her home and placed into a child welfare system where moving every few months to a new environment became normal. By the time she was sixteen, she had lived in more than 30 cities.
Celeste manages the organization’s day-to-day operations, strategy, and revenue growth. Celeste appreciates her team, respecting the diversity of opinions and ideas brought to fruition each day. If Celeste weren’t working for The Christmas Box International, she would be a personal coach, believing talent should be nurtured to achieve contribution and innovation at the highest levels.
Celeste enjoys exploring new cities and all things outdoors with family and friends, especially hiking and kayaking!
Julia is the Office & Database Administrator coordinating all-things office-related and stepping in to help wherever needed. Julia ensures that all contributions are entered into the database promptly and that donors are thanked and recognized almost as quickly as they drop off their donations!
Julia started at The Christmas Box International as a holiday helper and loved seeing amazing people bring in donations. She enjoys knowing all donations will put smiles on the faces of children and young adults.
Julia is an animal lover with a herd of dogs, cats, and horses at her home. She especially loves newborn foals and bringing them into the world. Julia is remarkably talented and crafty and, in her spare time, enjoys tinkering with stained and fused glass.
Kristin is the Senior Programs Manager and is responsible for managing all in-kind and programs donations to ensure that the Christmas Box House emergency shelters and community resource rooms are stocked with the needed resources the kiddos need throughout the year.
Her favorite part about working for The Christmas Box International is running Project Elf to make holiday wishes come true for thousands of children in Utah each year.
In her free time, Kristin enjoys traveling the world and spending time with her dogs and horses.
Tammy is the Events and Communications Manager and is responsible for successfully planning and executing events and communications projects related to branding, digital marketing, communications, and events. In addition, she partners with our Executive Director to bolster the organization’s brand, image, and reputation through consistent messaging and well-executed virtual and in-person events.
After 14 years in the corporate world, Tammy decided it was time to work towards raising awareness for a great cause. She is very excited to join The Christmas Box International team and support the children we serve.
In her free time, Tammy enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, playing with her two dogs, and spending as much time as possible with her husband and 9-year-old son.
Bridgett is the Finance & HR Manager and is responsible for the fiscal management of CBI, including day-to-day accounting and HR administration. These responsibilities include budgeting, payroll, annual audits, 990 tax returns, insurance leases, trademarks, insurance policies, and onboarding paperwork. Bridgett works closely with leadership to assist in creating and tracking budgets and ensuring accurate financial reporting.
After 11 years of running her successful business, Bridgett decided it was time for her to sell and find a career that would fulfill her more on a personal, professional, and community level.
Bridgett loves to read, hike, paddle board, and spend time with her kids in her free time.
Bette brings more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, with leadership roles at Zions Bank, West One Bank, U.S. Bank, and America First Credit Union. She currently serves as Community Engagement Coordinator for The Christmas Box International, where she helps strengthen relationships with community partners, businesses, and supporters in service of children and families.
Bette has long been deeply involved in civic and nonprofit leadership. She serves on multiple Women in Business boards for regional chambers and is the President Ambassador for the Salt Lake Chamber. Her community service also includes engagement with the Bonneville Community Council, Camp Hobe for Kids, and the South Salt Lake Police Department, where she is honored as an Honorary Colonel.
Known for her passion for connecting people and building meaningful partnerships, Bette has previously served on Mayor Ralph Becker’s Board for Business, the Utah Symphony Board, and volunteered with Ballet West. She is a graduate of the University of Utah, and a lover of her fur baby Snooki.
Katie serves as the Ogden Christmas Box House COR for The Christmas Box International. She oversees and organizes donations for the Ogden Christmas Box House, working directly with children to understand their individual needs and partnering with community supporters to help ensure those needs are met with care and dignity.
Katie plays an active role in community outreach events and volunteer coordination for the Ogden House. She believes lasting impact happens when communities come together with purpose, compassion, and a shared commitment to children.
Outside of her work, Katie loves being outdoors—especially walking and hiking (preferably in cooler weather, when the trails are free of slithering creatures). She enjoys traveling, dancing, music, good food, and spending time with family and friends—anything that brings people together. As a dedicated mother and community advocate, she is deeply passionate about helping every child feel safe, supported, and valued.
Sherman (Sherm) serves as the Facilities Maintenance Technician for The Christmas Box International, ensuring that the Salt Lake City and Ogden Christmas Box Houses are safe, welcoming, and well cared for.
Sherman brings a diverse background in construction, logistics, production coordination, and facilities management, most recently serving as Facilities Manager for Sundance Catalog. He takes pride in creating environments that are functional, comfortable, and dignified, and is grateful for the opportunity to support children and families through his work at The Christmas Box International.
Outside of work, Sherman enjoys spending time with family and friends and attending sporting events, concerts, and plays. He also enjoys cooking, camping, fishing, and traveling—always eager to explore new places both in the U.S. and abroad.
