This year marks the 24th anniversary of the “Make a Child Smile” program. The Colton Fire Department, Colton Unified School District, and the Colton Wal-Mart helped make this Christmas an unforgettable one. There were a total of five schools participating, Cooley Ranch Elementary School, Alice Birney Elementary School, Paul Rogers Elementary School, William McKinley Elementary, and Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. There were 50 students that were selected to be sponsored this year. Each student received a $100 shopping spree at the Colton Wal-Mart.
The children started their day at Fire Station 211 and the fire fighters began the caravan with the school bus. The caravan of the fire engines, with their lights and sirens, traveled down Mt. Vernon Avenue with assistance from the Colton Police Department who blocked off the streets along the route.
The children were greeted upon their arrival at Wal-Mart by associates, department managers, school and city officials, and the fire department and retirees. Santa Claus was even in attendance with his two elves!
Upon exiting the buses, each student partnered up with a firefighter and was given their $100 gift card to spend on whatever they chose. While some were paired with firefighters, others got the chance to partner with a Wal-Mart employee, a city official, or even someone from the district. There were principals in attendance as well as the new Superintendent Dr. Frank Miranda.
Once they received their money, they were off! The aisles were filled with shopping carts and indecisive children. Some knew exactly what they wanted while others needed to browse around first before making their decision. One boy went straight for a neon green bike and a black and red Mohawk helmet, he knew exactly what was on his list. Another student, Melanie, was browsing in the toy aisles unsure of what to get. When asked what was on Melanie’s Christmas list she declared, “I want a bike and to make my family happy.” Roger, who was her shopping partner, is a retired firefighter but still enjoys being able to come out to and help. He has only ever missed one year of the program. “I love it, I’ve been blessed,” says Roger, “We’re blessed and we like to pass it on. A few of us kick in extra, we don’t just use what’s given to us.”
The most touching part of the whole experience was getting to see the face of each child light up. Not only because they got to buy a new toy, but because they were able to shop for their families. One child went and found a coffee maker for her parents, another stocked up on stationaries, one even purchased Barbie’s and dolls for his sisters. It was such an amazing sight to see. Their hearts were so big and extended past their personal wants and thoughts of providing their families with Christmas gifts were their biggest concerns. Another little boy was so indecisive that when asked if he was getting anything for himself, he replied with, “No, I’m good. Just for my family.”
Sheryl Peetz is the Store Manager at this Colton location. She has been working for Wal-Mart for five and a half years and participated in the last two years of the program. “It’s a great way to put back to the community and participate and make a difference in these kids’ lives,” Peetz expressed her sentiments towards the event. “For the associates, this is a magical day, where they get to put back and create some magic.” One department manager was so moved by the event that she donated money from her own pockets to make a toy purchase for a child. At the checkouts kids were ecstatic and helped bag their toys. When some fell short of their $100 amount they were sent back to shop more, while others may have surpassed that amount, but didn’t stress because their shopping partners were more than willing to make up the difference.
People were smiling, children were excited, but most of all everyone was happy and had their hearts filled. Over the past 24 years, with the help from local sponsors, the Fire Department has raised over $100,000 and helped over 1,200 children. It truly is a special event and it touches the lives of not only the children, but those shopping with them.