Gift event to benefit community’s children
By Brandie Gay
In Vandalia, the spirit of Christmas will be happening Saturday, Dec. 14. Lori Culwell knows what truly makes the season magical and has started a cherished tradition that has blossomed over the past few years—a free shopping experience for children.
Lori has always believed in the spirit of giving and wanted to ensure that every child in the community can have the opportunity to experience the joy of selecting gifts for their loved ones. What started as a small event in the school gymnasium quickly grew in popularity. The heartwarming initiative soon found a new home at the spacious First Baptist Multi-Family building, allowing even more children to participate.
This year the event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 14, and the building will be buzzing with excitement. Volunteers will transform the space into a winter wonderland, with tables laden with donated gifts, everything from homewares and knick-knacks to books and toys. The children, eyes wide with wonder, are given the time and the experience to think of others, and “buy” treasures for their family members and friends.
The event is more than just a shopping experience; it is always a celebration of community and kindness. Lori Culwell knows that this tradition is about more than just gifts—it is about teaching children the true meaning of Christmas: love, generosity, and the joy of giving.
All the volunteers who have worked with Lori to put on this great event said they enjhoy watching how the children carefully choose the presents, each selection made with love and thoughtfulness. The looks on their faces as they take their selections to be wrapped, is just heartwarming. The volunteers, many of whom are parents and grandparents themselves, guide the children, helping them wrap their gifts in colorful paper and ribbons.
This year, the Van-Far Student Ambassadors will also help children select gifts for their loved ones. Making it more of a surprise on Christmas morning, giving the feeling of the warmth of the season.
Another tradition is the Lighted Christmas parade started by Amy Kuda. This will be the fourth year of this fun and exciting tradition. Micheal and Audra Evans will have their food truck there passing out goodies and hot cocoa. Audra made ornaments in remembrance of Mike Culwell that will be handed out as well. Culwell, Lori’s husband was a huge supporter of both the Christmas from a Small Town Heart and the Lighted Christmas Parade.
After the parade, Santa will see all the little girls and boys in the Historical Church, Marilyn Schlueter will host live entertainment and there will be a soup supper for everyone to enjoy. If you would like to donate any new or gently used items for the shopping event, contact Lori Culwell at 573-594-2731 ext. 009. If you wish to participate in the Lighted Christmas Parade there are a few rules that need to be followed: no live Santas, and if you are wanting to pass out candy, you must walk. No throwing candy from the float because of safety concerns. Please contact Amy Kuda at 573-473-6993 for for more information. This will be a magical night in Vandalia.