BUNNELL, Fla. – Serving more than 350 children this holiday season, and distributing over 3,000 gifts, The Giving Store opened up shop on Saturday, December 10, at Cattleman’s Hall. 

While many shopping experiences for children offer the opportunity to shop for themselves, this event, hosted by the Flagler Volunteer Services (FVS), allows children a chance to shop for members of their household, at no cost to them. 

“The children come here so excited to be able to pick out gifts on their own. They enjoy wrapping the gifts and putting them all in their big bag to take home. The volunteers get as much out of this event as the children. The joy on the volunteers faces says it all,” said FVS Coordinator Judy Mazzella. 

It’s a special event for the volunteers who work year round raising money to purchase the gifts, searching for items on sale and deals, preparing the gift wrapping section and organizing the gift shop itself.

“Our volunteers work year round to support this event. Some shop for deals, some help with the rummage sales (proceeds go to purchase gifts) some help with the recruitment of volunteers, scheduling, and donations”.

“Most of the volunteers are returning volunteers who absolutely love this event. They look forward to it all year long. The new volunteers this year were so impressed and loved the experience that many have committed to helping again next year,” she said. 

This year marks the 30th annual Giving Store, and Suzy Gamblain, director of the Flagler Volunteer Services, is thankful the community is so vested in helping the children when it comes to giving for the holidays. 

“This program started out in a small office with a few children and volunteers. To see what is has grown into over the years is heartwarming. It shows the true support in our community,” she said.