"Christmastown" Flint Citadel Toy Shop Makes Miracles Come True
*Flint Citadel Toy Shop "Christmastown"
More than 75 volunteers were served over a 4-day span at Flint Citadel’s Christmas Town Toy Shop. And it truly did feel like a Christmas town: a local company of craft workers made the magical vignettes that turned the Flint Citadel gymnasium into an old-timey feeling Christmas town.
787 families and 1,819 children will experience a magical Christmas thanks to the generosity of the Flint and Genessee area.
Families filled out wish lists and many were surprised to have their wishes come true – even things like tablets and bikes.
Other necessities were also available, such as diapers, coats, and even handmade infant sweaters. One family committed to keeping children warm and cozy at Christmas donated $10,000 worth of pajamas for children.
*Left: entrance to "Christmastown," Right: Volunteers checking wish lists. The shelf behind them was created by local volunteers who wanted to help the Toy Shop feel warm and old fashioned.
There was a group of 12 returning volunteers from the Flint Institute of Art. One volunteer was Mark. Mark grew up in the Jeffries Projects in Detroit and received Christmas assistance from organization like The Salvation Army every year when he was a kid.
Mark knows how important it is for kids with financial insecurity to be able to receive Christmas presents and get something from their wish list. He has been volunteering at Christmas Toy Shops since he was 18.
Brenda, a home school mom, planned to volunteer one day with her 6 children, but were so moved by the efforts that they volunteered every day of the Toy Shop.
One mom asked for a large stuffed animal for her child who has Autism. There weren’t any larger stuffed animals on the tables, so volunteers got a ladder and pulled down the huge teddy bear sitting in the basketball hoop. Mom cried.
*Left: giant teddy bear donated to autistic child, Right: Flint Citadel Toy Shop Volunteers
Another mom put a tablet on her wish list but didn’t expect to receive one. When she walked through the Toy Shop, she was greeted by a note by her name and a volunteer brought her a tablet.
Donors review the wish lists and if they are able, they will purchase those specialty items for certain families who have a special need.
Ms. Smith (name changed for privacy) had recently left a dangerous domestic situation and has been receiving assistance from the Flint Citadel. In her new lodging, Ms. Smith only had a bed. She left with nothing else.
The officers from the Flint Citadel took her to Walmart to stock up on basics like laundry items – even a can opener. She is now receiving food pantry assistance, Christmas toys for her kids, and even had decided to pay it forward by serving others in need at the Toy Shop.
One family filled out a wish list, but was unable to attend the Toy Shop this week. Volunteers delivered the items to her home.
*Left to right: social services team Tom and Beth, and volunteer John
These are just a few of the lives changed by Toy Shops, and other programs run by The Salvation Army all year round, such as Pathway of Hope and Utility Assistance. The Salvation Army is dedicated to Doing The Most Good for everyone in need.
If you would like to support great programs like the Toy Shops, you can donate to the Genesee County Virtual Red Kettle.