Firefighters Help Kids with Disabilities Shop For the Holidays

posted on Dec 09 by Admin in the Advocacy, Disability News, Fun category

On December 5th, 2010, over 100 Children with disabilities were given the opportunity to shop for themselves and loved ones with firefighters. The event was held at the South Country Dilliards in St. Louis, Missouri, which opened three hours early for the kids to shop.  This allowed them to have first dibs on the products that morning and gave them a chance to get specials gifts on their holiday wish lists.

Local firefighters and emergency workers escorted the children around to help them choose gifts, or just keep them company.  One particular child, Zack Winkle, spent most of his morning selflessly looking for shirts and ties for his Dad. The children were limited to one hundred dollars to spend thanks to The Dream Factory, their fundraisers, and volunteers. Many firefighters and emergency workers helped make up the difference when some of the youngsters went over their set budget.

The St. Louis Dream Factory holds fundraisers throughout the year to raise money to host this event for the children. This day is not only enjoyable for the children, but also for everyone involved. The presents the children chose are then specially wrapped so their loved ones won’t know what they have been given until the holidays.