PALM COAST, Fla. (December 8, 2023) – Welcoming organizations supporting families in need during the holidays, Wal-Mart has become the go-to shopping center, helping stretch the dollars and ensuring the shelves are stocked with the season’s hottest toys.
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On Friday evening, the Palm Coast Wal-Mart hosted Christmas with Community Heroes and 118 of the children signed up for a shopping experience. Lending a hand, shoppers from all sectors of the community donned their festive holiday gear – from ugly sweaters to flashing hats and necklaces to help children ages 4-12 feel at ease as they shook off responsibility for a moment and just enjoyed the wonder of being a kid.
Each of the 118 children was gifted $150 to spend and they were conscious of every dollar as they shopped. One 7-year-old started his shopping with a new pair of shoes while another 7-year-old in foster care selected a cell phone, highlighting the awareness of children of their own needs, even at a young age.
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Christmas with Community Heroes founder Larry Jones was moved by the support the organization received again this year, even with so many charitable organizations vying for valuable community dollars.
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“I know what it’s like to wake up on Christmas morning and wake up without a gift under the tree,” said Jones. “I don’t think any kid in today’s society should wake up Christmas morning without a gift under the tree, so that’s why I’m doing what I’m doing.”
“I thank them very much. From the bottom of my heart I applaud them for stepping up to the plate and helping out a kid in need,” he said.
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It was a heart-warming evening for the volunteers who helped wrap, decorate, cook food, and ensure the event went off without a hitch.
“Christmas with Community Heroes has been around for over 15 years, founded by Larry Jones and I am so proud to have spent my third year participating and coordinating such a fabulous event,” said Lacy Martin.
“Between 4 committee members, we strive to provide the most magical Christmas experience for over 100 children in our community. I am so grateful to be part of this organization. It’s truly humbling.”
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