Wow, the 4thannual Kids Shopping Day was a huge success. The weather was warm and dry, and, finally, “Kids Black Saturday” arrived. The shoppers were lined up and ready to make out their shopping list for their loved ones even before 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13th, at Peace Church. The Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary Children & Youth Committee, Karen Pieper, Jeanne Paustian, and Becky Fish chaired the project with help from Gladbrook area churches, organizations & individuals. Everyone working together created an opportunity for our area children to “shop” this Christmas. With thousands of items donated by the community we were able to create a “Christmas Store” where the kids choose just the right gifts for their family….without any exchange of money. Parents patiently waited for their children in the sanctuary of the church. They enjoyed the Christmas carols, viewing the beautiful decorations, and refreshments hosted by Pastor Robert Doner. Volunteers helped the younger children shop even babies. Many of the children were all smiles as they knew they had picked out the perfect gift for their moms, dads, etc. Other volunteers helped the children wrap their gifts and make out gift tags. Each tag stated “Jesus Loves You”. When the shoppers left their “treasures” were ready to be put under the tree. Each shopper visited the “Ladies of Bethlehem”, Rev. Carol Kress, Rose Russell, and Kayla Reese, to view a picture of and hear the nativity story and receive a gift. A special thank you to Joyce Bern who made over 1300 name tags. When the children received their shopping list they also signed a Christmas card for Chuck and Becky Fish. The children were reminded that Christmas is the birthday of God’s son, Jesus, and that God wants us to know that the best gifts we can give Jesus for His birthday are our prayers and our love. 143 happy children headed for home with a Christmas greeting from God, and gifts for the people they love. A very special thank you to everyone that donated items or gave monetary donations for the Christmas Store; the guys that helped get the church ready, the many volunteers that helped set up the store, 40 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. Many of the items that were left were boxed up and taken to Westbrook Acres. The residents will shop this week for their loved ones. Their gifts will be wrapped as well. It is never too early to start a box as the committee has decided to sponsor the 5th annual Kids Shopping Day on Dec. 12th, 2015. Merry Christmas to all!