Shopping Trip 1

(He didn't make it home with us but we loved him)

Last night was a night of little sleep. The first shopping trip brought forth feelings of Christmas Eve and feeling like an elf in Santa’s workshop. From spreadsheets to notecards, like Melissa mentioned, each wish goes through quite a process. I have a list that resembles, in my mind, what Santa keeps but no naughty or nice labels rather secret codes and specific wishes to be purchased.

I laid awake with excitement and anticipation (which will happen many many times during Wish season.) I was excited to get the opportunity to make wishes a realization and to experience Winter Wishes kicking off once again.

We left the bus parking lot this morning with 27 kids in tow and headed for a full day of shopping. The five adults on the bus huddled and began sharing stories of kids and wishes in the works. The kids did what kids do best and occupied the hour drive with laughter and electronics.

Our first stop was group lunch at Hideaway Pizza and then we shopped at Target, Dick’s, and Kohls. We started with over 79 wishes to shop for ranging from electronics, to candy, stuffed animals, to shoes. We spoke to our kids about putting thought into every item they select and to remember: one, be a good steward of the money that has been donated, and two, be respectful and thoughtful of each wish card and shop with fellow students in mind. It's important to us to respect the wish maker and the wish receiver. We really try to fulfil their vision and make kids happy.

One of the most rewarding things to witness is the love and pure joy in the eyes of a child as they personally select gifts for one another. Sometimes we have to send items back to the shelf for one reason or another and today having to tell kids to put a wish back on the shelf was hard (because they LOVE what they pick) but it needed to be done. We had to remind them of our goal and that it is early in the season and sometimes we have to shop around. However, Melissa and I loved the item too and as soon as it goes on sale - we are buying it!

Today went very well. Of course we had items that we couldn't find but we will find them. On the ride home I heard kids talking about how much they enjoy shopping for wishes. I had a child beg me to let him shop online for one wish we couldn't find today and beg me to allow him to be the wish deliverer. Another child told me which business I should call to fill certain wishes. Our kids take great pride in this program and put their whole heart into it. One day they may not remember much about middle school but I am nearly certain they will remember days like today and the feeling they have during Wish Week.

So in closing - the kids are struggling with having to wait until mid December to deliver these wishes. They already can't stand the thought of waiting that long and I am feeling a little down that today is winding down. Winter Wishes is a lot of work but it is fulfilling and rewarding. These are the moments that fill my soul so I am thankful for all of the donors that make this possible and for the amazing kids, adults, and my co-sponsor/friend that I get to share these experiences with.

Winter Wish shopping trip #1 of 2017 is officially in the books!