PHOENIX (AZFamily) — More than 300 Arizona children facing personal and financial challenges received a holiday shopping spree Saturday morning at a north Phoenix Target store.
The event was held at the Target store in the Desert Ridge Marketplace. Each child was escorted around the store where they were able to spend $300-350 on anything they wanted, including toys, clothes and books. Santa was there to help out.
Many of the children who went shopping are from Phoenix’s UMOM Center, which helps struggling families get back on their feet. Other kids are with Friends of the Children, a youth mentoring program for young people facing challenges.
The shopping spree was organized by the non-profit Executive Council Charities, which helps fund youth programs across the Valley.
“This event is super special for us because we actually get to interact with kids we get to make their holiday season joyful and great,” said Sean McGraw with Executive Council Charities.
Volunteers find joy in giving back
Volunteers said the experience is rewarding for everyone involved.
“We just started coming and doing this experience this is our 2nd year doing this and we have so much fun going around and shopping with kids and helping pick out Christmas gifts and so nice to give back to other people this time of year,” said volunteer Temile Williams.
Drew Young, who has been with the organization for more than 10 years, said the event creates lasting memories.
“There’s nothing more important seeing smiles on kids faces this is unforgettable experience not just for kids but for us I think we are lucky ones today,” Young said.
Community support grows program
Organizers said the Gwyn Noble Holiday Shopping Experience has been going on for more than 10 years and gets bigger every year thanks to community generosity. This year, the group raised more than $140,000 for the event.
Executive Council Charities is calling on the community to help expand the impact of the program. Individuals unable to attend in person can sponsor a child’s holiday experience by donating at https://www.ec70phx.com/shopping/.
Executive Council Charities is a 501(c)(3) Arizona nonprofit corporation dedicated to helping youth in the community. The organization provides grants to programs and organizations that support young people facing adversity, with the goal of helping them reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Funds are raised through signature events, including The Original Taste, Holiday Classic, and Cantina Spring Training, as well as direct contributions to the annual Support Arizona Youth campaign.
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