Host: Cristan Engelke
Guest: Jeff Summers
VIDEO
EPISODE SPONSORS :
Wisdom Integrators – www.wisdomintegrators.com
Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/
DESCRIPTION
What if Christmas could restore dignity instead of creating dependency?
In this powerful episode of Southaven Business Beat, we sit down with Jeff Summers of Trinity Church to talk about Affordable Christmas—a movement that flips traditional holiday charity on its head. Instead of giving away handouts, families are invited to shop for brand-new toys in a beautifully decorated store… and pay just $9 per child. Why? Because dignity matters. Parents walk out knowing they provided Christmas, not a program.
For more than a decade, Affordable Christmas has been rewriting the story for families across Southaven and DeSoto County. From its inception, inspired by the book “When Helping Hurts,” to its current service of over 200 children each year, this program demonstrates the impact of churches, schools, and businesses working together.
In this conversation, Jeff shares:
• The heart behind the model: why handouts sometimes do more harm than good
• The incredible system: 3 toys + stocking stuffers per child, for just $9
• How schools help identify families that need it most
• The reality that each child’s Christmas costs about $110—and how local businesses bridge that gap through sponsorships and toy drives
• The impact stories: a single mom of eight who went from recipient to donor
• The joy of the wrapping-table moment, when a volunteer reminded a mom: “No, this isn’t from Trinity. This is from YOU.”
This is more than toys. It’s about restoring dignity, building relationships, and reminding families they are seen, valued, and loved. And it’s a model that shows businesses, churches, and individuals how to truly change lives in their own backyard.
How You Can Be Part of It
Donate brand-new toys or run a toy drive at your workplace
Sponsor a child (or several!) to cover the cost difference
Volunteer as a shopping assistant, gift wrapper, or greeter
Join the Affordable Christmas Golf Classic fundraiser at Olive Branch Country Club
Learn more, donate, or sign up here: reachdesotoms.org
CHAPTERS
- Intro & Welcome (00:00 – 01:05)
- Meet Jeff Summers (Trinity Church) (01:05 – 02:26)
- Where Affordable Christmas Began (02:26 – 03:23)
- Why “When Helping Hurts” Changed Everything (03:23 – 04:11)
- Dignity Over Dependency (04:11 – 04:39)
- How the Store Works (04:39 – 05:08)
- $9 per Child: The Model Explained (05:08 – 06:05)
- School Partnerships and Family Invitations (06:05 – 06:52)
- 10 Years of Growth (06:52 – 07:15)
- The True Cost: $110 per Child (07:15 – 08:01)
- Community and Business Partners (08:01 – 10:11)
- A Single Mom’s Story with 8 Kids (10:11 – 12:19)
- From Shopper to Donor (12:19 – 15:02)
- Affordable Christmas Golf Classic Fundraiser (15:02 – 17:34)
- What Keeps the Team Going (17:34 – 19:06)
- The Wrapping-Table Moment (19:06 – 20:38)
- Beyond Toys: Relationships & Faith (20:38 – 25:12)
- How to Volunteer, Donate, or Run a Toy Drive (25:12 – 26:31)
- What’s Always Needed (Volunteers, Wrapping Paper, All Ages) (26:31 – 28:28)
- The Chamber’s Role in Community Partnerships (28:28 – 32:52)
- Closing & Call to Action (32:52 – 36:11)
What’s the most memorable Christmas gift you ever received as a child? Share it below—your memory might inspire the next donor or volunteer.
Huge Thanks to Our Sponsors:
https://www.wisdomintegrators.com – Wisdom Integrators: Your behind-the-scenes tech partner.
https://thefollowapp.co/ – The Follow App: Modern networking made simple.
https://www.purefocus.media/ – Pure Focus Media: Bringing your vision into focus with professional video, photo, and drone services.
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