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: [Insert correct links]
Chapters
00:00 Intro & Welcome
01:05 Meet Jeff Summers (Trinity Church)
02:26 Where Affordable Christmas Began
03:23 Why “When Helping Hurts” Changed Everything
04:11 Dignity Over Dependency
04:39 How the Store Works
05:08 $9 per Child: The Model Explained
06:05 School Partnerships and Family Invitations
06:52 10 Years of Growth
07:15 The True Cost: $110 per Child
08:01 Community and Business Partners
10:11 A Single Mom’s Story with 8 Kids
12:19 From Shopper to Donor
15:02 Affordable Christmas Golf Classic Fundraiser
17:34 What Keeps the Team Going
19:06 The Wrapping-Table Moment
20:38 Beyond Toys: Relationships & Faith
25:12 How to Volunteer, Donate, or Run a Toy Drive
26:31 What’s Always Needed (Volunteers, Wrapping Paper, All Ages)
28:28 The Chamber’s Role in Community Partnerships
32:52 Closing & Call to Action
Engagement Prompt
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.
Sponsors
A huge thank you to our sponsors who make Southaven Business Beat possible:
🎥 Pure Focus Media – Helping businesses tell their story through video, content, and media that drives results.
📲 The Follow Up – Smart follow-up systems that keep you connected and converting.
💡 Wisdom Integrators – Empowering organizations with strategic solutions and innovative technology.
