In early December, Shine and Inspire held its Children’s Winter Wonderland Event for disadvantaged children and their families in Mercer County – over 100 children across 42 families! Children from various agencies were invited, along with their parents/guardians, to enjoy an afternoon of pure fun and creative activities along with musical entertainment and a delicious lunch. There were crafts galore including making slime, decorating cookies, and making holiday ornaments, door hangars and cards. There was also amazing temporary tattoos and face painting!
Each child went home with a winter jacket, hat, gloves, scarf, boots and clothing, plus a holiday present from their wish list. Each children’s bag also included donations from other non-profits and organizations. It was an amazing day with smiles abound from the families and the volunteers – truly the favorite thing that we do!
There are so many people to thank for this incredible event:
- People or organizations that sponsored/donated or shopped! We are so grateful – you made this day possible
- Volunteers who managed craft tables, helped set up, and lent a helping hand where it was needed (with over 100 children it was needed a lot!)
- The Civil Air Patrol with their flight simulators, drone demonstration, and how to make gliders and rubber band rockets – and helping these children to dream about a future in flying
- DJ Jenny Bean who kept the children busy with dancing and games
- Buxton’s Boxes for donating a truck to transport everything (we filled a truck and numerous cars there was so much)
- Hairdressers Carlee and Crystal who gave free haircuts
- Cinderella and Spiderman who brought so many smiles to the children’s faces
- Stark and Stark for bringing an army of volunteers
- Sherri and Booksmiles, who donated books for each child
- Lala and Mimi’s Pajama Project for donating pajamas
- Christine’s Hope for Kids who donated goodie bags
- Project Linus for donating handmade blankets
- The makers of Throglo that donated their game for each family
- Kari who was on stilts for three hours while making balloon figures
- Doe-rain Deane Photography who donates her time and talents to all our events
- Angie’s cupcakes for donating her tasty creations
- Trina and Dre for transporting families who needed rides to and from the event
- New Jersey Wedding and Events who always prepares a fabulous meal (and are just wonderful to work with)
- Verizon employees who donated toys – thank you Erika Karp
We always say that it takes a village to raise a child, and our community was so generous in making a difference for these children and their families. We are so humbled and grateful.
Make a difference in someone’s life, and it will make a difference in yours …
Sue Steber leads by example, delivering essential items—like towels, cleaning supplies, snacks, and more—to the Shine & Inspire closet at Trenton Schools. Together, we’re building brighter futures and stronger communities.
