Our Story

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.

Our mission is simple: every child deserves a childhood.

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.

In fiscal year 2021/2022, we served 10,689 at-risk children. Our programs help at-risk youth by providing emergency shelter care, give a happy holiday season to children and youth, and serve teens transitioning out of foster care. We are constantly striving to help more kids and look to the community, businesses, and foundations for their ongoing support.

Staff

Celeste Edmunds

Executive Director
celeste@thechristmasbox.org

Kristin Jensen

Programs Manager
kristin@thechristmasbox.org

Tammy Corrigan

Events & Communications Manager
tammy@thechristmasbox.org

Barry Evans

Facilities Manager
barry@thechristmasbox.org

Bridgett Foster

Bookkeeper & HR Specialist
bridgett@thechristmasbox.org

Julia Jensen

Office & Database Administrator
admin@thechristmasbox.org

Patrice Couch

St George Resource Coordinator (volunteer)
StGeorgeResource@thechristmasbox.org

Board of Directors

Richard Paul Evans

Co-founder, Chairman, & President
New York Times Best-selling Author

Keri Evans

Co-founder & Small Business Owner

Douglas R. Short

Secretary, Executive Vice President, Vice-Chair of Executive Committee, & Chair of Program Planning Committee

Lynn Taylor

Chair of Finance & Audit Committee & Member of Executive Committee

Diane Glad

Chair of Public Relations Committee & Member of Executive Committee

Alan Smith

Chair of Fundraising Committee & Real Estate Agent, Holmes Homes

Kearston Cutrubus

Director, Cutrubus Motors, Inc. & Business Owner

Rich Post

Entrepreneur & Owner, Post Insurance Group