KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – This Christmas, more than 400 caring volunteers will bring 200 local children a special Christmas shopping spree. Weigel’s celebrates their 19th year of teaming with the Salvation Army to bring joy and dreams to underprivileged children from Knoxville and the surrounding areas. The children range in age from five to nine, and are each given $150 for a Christmas shopping spree at the Hall’s Kmart store on Maynardville Pike.

“Many of our volunteers come back year after year to participate in this heart-warming event,” said Kurt Weigel, training and recruiting director for Weigel’s, in a press release. “Often entire families come out to be a part of this special day, and it’s so rewarding for them to be able to assist the children with their shopping.”

Every year, the Salvation Army selects deserving children and Weigel’s organizes the event and provides funding. Since the program’s inception in 1998, it has impacted more than 3,400 children.

“It’s truly amazing to have watched this program grow. We started by bringing six kids shopping, now we invite more than 200 kids,” said Chairman Bill Weigel. “This tradition is possible only because of the gracious support of the many volunteers and vendors.  This event embodies the true spirit of Christmas.”

Prior to shopping, the volunteers prepare a complimentary breakfast for the children at the Salvation Army gymnasium. Volunteers also prepare lunch for the children’s return, while others meet and help the children manage the money and handpick gifts at Kmart.

“The volunteers make this day possible,” Bill Weigel said. “We love watching the kids shop and seeing their faces light up. This day is filled with smiles galore and tears of joy, and it truly makes our holiday season as much as we help make theirs.”