Knoxville, Tennessee-based Weigel’s celebrated its 25th year of Weigel’s Family Christmas, an annual event for underprivileged children from East Tennessee, on Dec. 3.
With the help of the Salvation Army, 250 children ages 5-8 years old were selected to receive $200 for a Christmas shopping spree at Target.
“We are overjoyed to be celebrating 250 kids, the most we’ve ever sponsored, and give them the joy of shopping and having a special day,” said Kurt Weigel, training and recruiting director.
“This has been a very special and meaningful event since we started it 25 years ago. Our volunteers are often entire families, coming together to give back to our community. We’re especially excited to see the growth of this special day.”
Each year, Weigel’s organizes and funds the event, while the Salvation Army assists in selecting deserving children from East Tennessee’s communities. Since the program’s inception in 1998, more than 4,600 children have received Christmas gifts through the charity.
“Twenty-five years ago, we started by bringing six kids shopping, and this year we’ve invited 250,” said Bill Weigel, chairman. “The gracious support of the many volunteers and our vendor partners makes the day possible. This event embodies the true spirit of Christmas.”
Prior to shopping, the volunteers prepared a complimentary breakfast for the children at the Knoxville Expo Center. Many volunteers stay to prepare lunch for the children’s return, while other volunteers wait at Target to meet and help the children with their Christmas shopping sprees.
“This December is especially heartwarming to now be able to reflect on many years of our volunteers impacting the lives of these kids, as well as the kids making an impact on our volunteers,” Weigel said.
“We love watching the kids shop and seeing their faces light up. This day is special, filled with smiles galore and tears of joy, and it truly makes our holiday season as much as we help make theirs.”
Weigel’s operates 72 convenience stores, a dairy and a bakery in East Tennessee. For more information about the company, click here.
