Auburn Hills Volunteers Take Kids Holiday Shopping
(Public Safety Director Doreen Olko, City of Auburn Hills, Dec. 8, 2014)
NOTE: This originally appeared at https://ahpdchief.wordpress.com/2014/12/08/more-christmas-shopping-with-kids/.
On Saturday, Dec. 6th we went shopping with another group of special kids from the Avondale School District. We took 18 kids to Meijer on Brown Road and through Meijers’ generosity we were able to help the kids shop for $150 of Christmas gifts for their families including a gift for themselves. There was a lot of excitement since we had more funds than we usually have for this event so the gift for themselves was new. I saw a charming 5 year old who was lovingly holding an Ilsa dress (from the Disney movie Frozen) and her older sister who was about 12 and was so appreciative that she could get an iTunes card for herself. For one little girl, we made sure she got a winter coat as her mother had requested. And we bought some laundry soap and other supplies as one family requested.
They all had a blast shopping, wrapping and loading up on cookies, all courtesy of Meijers. Our shoppers were assisted by members of the Morning Optimist Club of Auburn Hills, “Friend of Youth” – they meet on Thursday mornings at 0730 upstairs at the Boys and Girls Club in case you want to join and do more good stuff for kids; and by volunteers from Avondale Youth Assistance. Of course our bus and driver were provided by the City of Auburn Hills Senior Department and Parks and Recreation. Mr. Ed Wallace got us there safety and timely. We appreciated his help.
I’ve been doing this trip for about 16 or 17 years now and I enjoy it each year. Thanks to all of the volunteers and Meijers for another great opportunity.
Merry Christmas!