The Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary Children and Youth Committee chaired the project with help from Gladbrook area churches, organizations, and individuals. With thousands of items donated by the community, they created an opportunity for area children to “shop” all by themselves and without any exchange of money.

Approximately 175 children diligently looked over the many items searching for the perfect gift to give to 8-10 family members. As you may have guessed, there were a lot of toys, Hawk and Cyclone items, fishing, hunting and golf, and beautiful gift baskets. The children came from all around the Gladbrook-Reinbeck and GMG areas. One mother said the event was all her children talked about all year.

Parents patiently waited for their children in the sanctuary of the church. They enjoyed listening to Christmas carols played by June Bessman and viewing the beautiful decorations.

Volunteers helped the younger children shop. Many of the children were all smiles as they knew they had picked out the perfect gift for their moms, dads, brothers, sisters, etc. Other volunteers wrapped their presents, and each tag stated “Jesus Loves You.” When the shoppers left, their “treasures” were ready to be put under the tree.

Area children ‘shop’ for gifts for their family members during the 12th annual Kids Shopping Day held Saturday, Dec. 14, at Peace Church in Gladbrook. Some of the younger children pictured were receiving help with their lists from volunteers.

Each shopper visited the “People of Bethlehem” – Rose Russell, Lisa Koester, Rev. Gideon Gallo, Terri Lamb, and Becky Fish – to receive a Christmas card and a Nativity ornament as their gift. Tired and happy kids left for home with a large bag of gifts for loved ones in their hands, plus a seed containing the awareness of Jesus Christ in their souls.

“An abundance of our good Gladbrook-Lincoln folks and others contributed in countless ways to this year’s KSD. Individuals, our local churches, and organizations worked together beautifully to serve the children and families in our area,” Committee member Jeanne Paustian said. “A very special thank you to everyone that donated items or gave monetary donations for the Christmas Store; the ladies that made the gift tags, the guys that helped get the church ready, the many volunteers that helped set up the store, 80 plus people that helped on shopping day, and the guys that came back to put the church back to normal. The sparkle in the children’s eyes told us they appreciated everything. We needed each and every one of you in order to pull everything together. Thanks so much!”

Many of the items that were left were boxed up and taken to Westbrook Acres, so their residents could shop for their loved ones. Baby toys were given to Crayon Corner Learning Center.

Kids’ Shopping Day offers local youngsters an opportunity to experience the true spirit of Christmas, and letters and calls come in from parents and grandparents about how happy and excited their children were when the gifts they selected were opened.

“Our kids have the opportunity to encounter the joy of thinking beyond self, the joy of working to choose a gift that will make another happy, handing that gift to their loved one, and then enjoy the loving response of the recipient,” Paustian said. “The children, workers, and families all give and receive much joy at our community-supported Kids’ Shopping Day. Thank you for making it happen!”

The ‘People of Bethlehem’ pictured on Saturday, Dec. 14, including (from left) Terri Lamb, Rev. Giddeon Gallo, Lisa Koester, and Rose Russell.