KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – December 2 marked the 20th anniversary of Weigel’s Family Christmas; a special event created to bring nearly 200 local children in need and more than 300 caring volunteers together for a special Christmas shopping spree.

Weigel’s celebrated their 20th year of teaming with the Salvation Army to bring joy and dreams to our local children; an event for underprivileged children from Knoxville and the surrounding areas. The children ranged in age from 5 to 9 years old, and were each given $150 for a Christmas shopping spree at the Hall’s Kmart store.

“This has been a very special and meaningful event since we started it 20 years ago” said Kurt Weigel, training and recruiting director. “Our volunteers are often entire families, coming together to give back to our community.”

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 3,600 children.

“We started by bringing six kids shopping, and now we invite more than 200,” said Bill Weigel, chairman. “The gracious support of the many volunteers and our vendor partners makes the day possible.  This event embodies the true spirit of Christmas.”

Prior to shopping, the volunteers prepared a complimentary breakfast for the children at the Salvation Army gymnasium. Many volunteers stayed back to prepare lunch for the children’s return, while other volunteers waited at K Mart to meet and help the children manage the money and handpick gifts.

“This December is especially heartwarming to now be able to reflect on many years of our volunteers impacting the lives of these kids, as well as the kids making an impact on our volunteers,” Bill Weigel said. “We love watching the kids shop and seeing their faces light up. This day is special, filled with smiles galore and tears of joy, and it truly makes our holiday season as much as we help make theirs.”