Surprise Christmas at Boys and Girls Club
By: Wendy Suares, KARK 4 News
Updated: December 18, 2012
Some local kids at the Boys and Girls Club got quite the surprise earlier this week when volunteers showed up armed with Christmas gifts just for them.
As their names were called and the pile of gifts grew, so did the smiles and anticipation.
For ten kids at the Dalton Whetstone Boys and Girls Club it was an early Christmas... maybe the only one they'll have this year.
"It's really exciting to give a gift you know is going to be appreciated so much," said volunteer Lee Strother.
You could call them Santa's elves, but the volunteers are junior board members, a group of 40 young influentials called "The Connection."
"This has been the best thing I'll do all Christmas," said Lauren Slabaugh. "The best thing by far."
The kids earned their spot on Santa's good list, staying out of trouble and earning good grades.
6th grader Jaylin Swain said, "It just makes me feel joyful and just happy to have something I really wanted," after unwrapping his video games.
Even those that work with the kids every day at the club were touched by the event. "Just to see their faces light up is overwhelming to me," said Gary Casey.
And to add to the joy, employees at the Nike store at the Promenade stepped up with their own donations, providing each of the kids, plus 20 others, a brand new pair of shoes.
"I can't even put it into words," said manager Dustin Neff. "It's incredible to see their faces light up. it's really cool."
All of these gifts were thanks to personal donations. No corporate or club money was used.
Click here to learn more about the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arkansas.
As their names were called and the pile of gifts grew, so did the smiles and anticipation.
For ten kids at the Dalton Whetstone Boys and Girls Club it was an early Christmas... maybe the only one they'll have this year.
"It's really exciting to give a gift you know is going to be appreciated so much," said volunteer Lee Strother.
You could call them Santa's elves, but the volunteers are junior board members, a group of 40 young influentials called "The Connection."
"This has been the best thing I'll do all Christmas," said Lauren Slabaugh. "The best thing by far."
The kids earned their spot on Santa's good list, staying out of trouble and earning good grades.
6th grader Jaylin Swain said, "It just makes me feel joyful and just happy to have something I really wanted," after unwrapping his video games.
Even those that work with the kids every day at the club were touched by the event. "Just to see their faces light up is overwhelming to me," said Gary Casey.
And to add to the joy, employees at the Nike store at the Promenade stepped up with their own donations, providing each of the kids, plus 20 others, a brand new pair of shoes.
"I can't even put it into words," said manager Dustin Neff. "It's incredible to see their faces light up. it's really cool."
All of these gifts were thanks to personal donations. No corporate or club money was used.
Click here to learn more about the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arkansas.
