Applications, donor forms available for annual Christmas Assistance Program

Published 2:30 pm Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Family applications and donor registration forms are now available for the 2026 Christmas Assistance Program, a collaborative effort coordinated by Ozark Action Inc., the West Plains R-7 School District and the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce.

The annual program serves eligible families in West Plains and surrounding rural school districts in Howell County, providing Christmas gifts for children ages 14 and younger through community donations.

Families seeking holiday assistance may pick up paper applications at the Ozark Action office, 710 E. Main St. in West Plains, or download them online at oaiwp.org. The deadline to submit completed family applications is Dec. 1.

Community members, businesses, civic groups and churches interested in sponsoring families or providing support can participate as donors. Contributors may adopt individual families directly or donate new gifts and monetary contributions.

Donor registration forms are available at Ozark Action, online at oaiwp.org, or through the chamber’s website at wpchamber.com by selecting “Community” and navigating to the “Christmas Assistance Program” tab. Donor forms will be accepted through Dec. 4.

Organizers noted the initiative depends entirely on the ongoing generosity of regional donors and volunteers to ensure area children have gifts for the holidays.

For more information about family applications, contact Ozark Action at 417-256-6147 or 417-372-2855. To learn more about donor and sponsorship opportunities, call the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce at 417-256-4433.