Christmas is the season of receiving and giving, even for kids

Redeemed Goods shopping days for kids 

By Brandy Ford

Read it at the Review

There is nothing more excited than a child on Christmas morning. The sounds of laughter and gleeful shouts can be heard across Welland as the kids finally get to rip apart those shiny wrapped presents waiting for them under the tree.

   Mariama Otting and her little brother, Elijah, check out a few of the Christmas gifts available at Redeemed Goods. The store will be hosting a special Kids’ Shopping event December 21-22 which allows children from the community to come in and pick out gifts for loved ones.

But, as eight-year-old Mariama Otting points out, kids are not just excited about the gifts that they receive; kids also can not wait to see the reactions on their loved ones faces.

“My mommy is going to be so happy,” she says as she giggles. “She is going to be so surprised and I can’t wait!”

But, for some children, the opportunities to go shopping for the important people in their lives are limited by finances or by simply not having people in their lives available to help them go out to the stores.

Redeemed Goods, located at 289 Crowland Avenue in Welland, hopes to help these children, and their families, have a memorable Christmas morning.

During their special Kids’ Shopping event, being held at the store on December 21 and 22, children are invited to come in, and with a minimal donation, they can find special gifts for all the people they love. Donations are based entirely on what the child can give.

“It doesn’t matter if a child comes in with a toonie or five dollars,” says Redeemed Goods employee, Stacy Otting. “They can still get gifts for everyone they need.”

Special tables will be set up for the children to “shop” from and all wrapping is taken care of as well.

“There are some amazing gifts here. Everyone will be happy,” says Stacy.

Redeemed Goods is also giving away a tableful of gift baskets this week.

“Every time you go into the store this week, you’ll get a ballot. No purchase (is) necessary,” Stacy says. “Saturday afternoon we’ll pull names and make contact with the winners.”

Elijah Otting, 7, checks out a gift basket being given away at Redeemed Goods next weekend, while his sister, Mariama, 8, holds up one of the many gifts available for kids to pick out during the stores special shopping event specifically for children.