By Kelly Youngblood
Whether you’re a returning customer or a first-time visitor, you won’t want to miss the 21st annual Crisis Nursery Children’s Holiday Shop, which is set to open its doors this Saturday at Lincoln Square in Urbana.
This annual tradition is an opportunity for children ages pre-school through sixth grade to shop for their families and friends with the help of a community volunteer.
The items are priced between $2-$8 and include a wide variety of gift ideas for youngsters as well as adults. Children also get to pick out decorative bags for each gift.
Heather Wienke, Special Events Coordinator at the Crisis Nursery, says the Holiday Shop is not only a great community event but also a family tradition for many local people.
“(The Holiday Shop) holds a special place in a lot of peoples’ hearts
in this area,” she said.
Wienke says it’s also a great opportunity for kids to learn about the importance of giving to others.
“Whenever the kids leave, they have this pride from picking out their own gift and an understanding that it’s just as good to give as it is to receive,” Wienke said.
The Children’s Holiday Shop is held from Saturday, Dec. 7 through Saturday, Dec. 14 in the Conference Center at Lincoln Square. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday hours are noon to 5 p.m.; and the weeknight schedule will be 4 to 7 p.m.
Local celebrities will be present to help kids shop on three different occasions. On Saturday, Dec. 5 from 2-5 p.m., University of Illinois Athletes will be on hand to help. On Monday, Dec. 9 from 4-5:30, members of the Parkland College Golf Team will participate and on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 4-7 p.m., the University of Illinois Cheerleaders will come out to support the cause.
All of the proceeds from the Holiday Shop go towards the Crisis Nursery and its Strong Families and Safe Children programs. Wienke said on average the event raises about $40,000 through holiday shoppers and sponsors.
Wienke said parents are allowed to shop with their child if they wish and may also shop alone for items they would like to purchase themselves.
For more information about the event and to download a shopping list, go to http://www.crisisnursery.net/TopMenu/Events/ChildrensHolidayShop.aspx.