On December 8th, WRC staff with the help of 145 volunteers spent the day celebrating and providing holiday gifts to 110 families and 283 children. The day is full of joy, memories, and holiday cheer not just for the families but for everyone involved.
The children are invited to come with their parents and are greeted by volunteers ready to escort them to a room full of wonderful items for the children to choose a gift for their parents. The volunteers usher them to the Elves Station to have the gift wrapped with beautiful ribbons and bows. After all that hard work the children are entertained with games and crafts and fill their tummies with cookies, doughnuts, pizza, and other refreshments.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pick gifts for my son. He had the best time and thought he met real elves. He got to pick a gift for his dad and I. He was so proud.”
While their children were kept busy the parents entered Santa’s Workshop and picked out three gifts for each of their children. Any parent of a teen knows it can be hard to find the perfect gift for them and most of the holiday donations are toys. In order to make sure this age group receives their own special experience we give each teen a gift card for $25 and then two gifts. Donors were generous and we were able to give 13 bikes, 12 scooters, and 2 skateboards. Each family was given a gift card to purchase the necessary items to top of their holiday with a delicious meal.
” I lost my job in mid November. I have been saving my savings to pay rent and bills so Christmas gifts weren’t going to happen for us this year. I am so blessed my counselor at WRC told me about the event. You guys made my year. My children and I now have something to open on Christmas day.”
This is the 13th year WRC with the help of donors and volunteers have come together and created the Spirit of Giving. Without our volunteers this event would have to be smaller and not as festive. We are grateful for the hard work and compassionate spirit they bring. The giving continues after the event. Families will come through our doors for assistance through the first of the year. Shelter and Transition House will see a new family or two move in. All those children will be blessed with gifts to make their holidays one to remember. At the end of the season WRC will provide for almost 150 families. To see more pictures of the event check out WRC’s Facebook page here.
Thank You!!