Underprivileged kids get overwhelming shopping spree

Firefighters, Jaycees deliver holiday cheer

Sunday, December 12, 2004

Who says Santa Claus has to be a white-bearded guy in a red suit?

For Bowling Greens underprivileged children, he could look like a firefighter or a member of the Jaycees. And while they may not have slid down any chimneys, they certainly spread the holiday cheer this weekend.

Both organizations took kids out shopping for holiday clothes and toys Saturday morning. Beginning at 8 a.m., the firefighters union spread out around Target with the kids, aiming to spend at least $200 per child on whatever shoes, shirts, toys and other presents the kids so desired.

I think it helps out the community and gives back, said firefighter David McCarty, who helped organize the event. They usually buy something for their siblings and their parents, and some things for themselves, too.

With the help of Community Action of Southern Kentucky and the Commission for Children with Special Needs, the firefighters were able to find needy kids to take shopping for the 14th consecutive year. Ralph Gonzales ended up shopping with 6-year-old Shawn Chandler, who first picked out some black mittens with red and orange flames on them.

Its just my size, Shawn said as he slid his hand into the mitten. Im going to keep them on.

Many firefighters brought their own families along so they could all take part in the joy of helping a less-fortunate child. Firefighter Mike Brown brought his son, Benjamin, along to go shopping with 3-year-old Jeriah Hightower.

I want Ninja Turtles, said Jeriah, just before he found a package of Ninja Turtles underwear, which he held onto happily.

Nicholaus Wilkins, 4, was shopping with firefighter Tracey Kenney for some clothes first before they hit the toys.

Im going to get shirts, pants, underwear and socks, Nicholaus said. Im going to get some stuff for my mama and daddy and some stuff for me.

Kenney and Nicholaus were headed for the shoe department, where Nicholaus got some new sneakers.

Its just a great program, Kenney said.

At 9 a.m., the shopping started at Kmart, where 25 children were shopping with members of the Bowling Green Jaycees. With the help of Head Start, the Jaycees aimed to spend a minimum of $100 per child.

For a lot of these kids, this may be the only Christmas for them, said Kerra Sykes, treasurer of the Bowling Green Jaycees and chairwoman of the shopping event. This is our most favorite event we do. The Jaycees all have a blast.

The organization even arranged for Santa to make an appearance at Kmart, where he walked around greeting the children. Kiara Whitney, 5, said she was going to ask for Dora the Explorer toys she already had some Dora pajamas in her shopping cart, which was being pushed by Jaycees member Jayme Cook.

I have a bunch of Dora stuff, Kiara said.

Barbie was the toy of choice for 3-year-old Jimea Shobe, who was shopping with Mary-John Carmon, president of the Kentucky Jaycees. She proudly held up a package of Barbie underwear when asked what her favorite thing was.

Barbie toys, too, Jimea added.  Daily News ·813 College St. ·PO Box 90012 ·Bowling Green, KY ·42102 ·270-781-1700