MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Holiday generosity can bring in a large crowd, and here in the UP, that is no different. From 9 am until 4 pm, volunteers were hard at work with the St. Vincent Depaul Christmas Giveaway, making sure families got the stockings stuffed and the presents wrapped.
“For the month of November, they come into the St. Vincent DePaul office, register, and give us the number of children they have, their ages, their sizes,” commented St. Vincent DePaul Marquette District President Karen Reese.
Volunteers then shop for clothing, toys, and even kids’ books each tailored to what the kids would like. Volunteer Mary Lee Kirkum has been coined the Christmas shopper ordering enough presents to fill the room. “I am the shopper, thanksgiving day I ordered 147 pairs of underwear and pajamas via the computer because the stores don’t carry them,” said Kirkum.
Each participant eligible for the giveaway gets a basket to fill with free presents. On top of that, volunteers also distribute toys for tots toys and even donate a full Christmas meal to each of the families.
“They get a full basket of food for Christmas including a full turkey and everything that goes with it and then they come here and for each child in the family, they able to shop for toys,” continued Reese
“I know the numbers for all the organizations are up this year for families in need and for us to be able to help them out and alleviate some of those issues they were having and making sure their children have a good Christmas you know that’s just heartwarming,” commented Marquette County Toys for Tots Coordinator Tracey Tippett.
Families leaving the gym filled the baskets and volunteers said the generosity and smiles, filled their hearts. “it’s the community that supports us as we do this or we would never be able to accomplish it,” continued Reese.
The Christmas giveaway was a one-day event, however, those still interested in donating to similar programs have until Saturday, Dec. 16th to donate to the Toys for Tots program through the Salvation Army.
Click here to find out more information on the Toys for Tots program.