The Christmas for Kids Program
By: Drew Moore
Updated: December 7, 2012
JOPLIN, MO.--- Joplin firefighters along with volunteers from Joplin High Schools Future Business Leaders of America, fanned out through Wal-Mart with one mission in mind.
"We're just trying to make it where someone could have a nice Christmas," says Shannon Branham, Joplin Firefighter.
Instead of putting out fires, these volunteers are hoping to warm a child's heart over Christmas, armed with a wish list ranging from MP3 players, Lego's, and new bike's for kids ages 3 to 15.
"Being in the fire service, you go out to these houses and you see sometimes the kids that don't have a whole lot, family may be down on their luck, lost their job," says Branham.
"I have had some friends that have actually had to be helped. I don't judge them because, I mean, hard times right now in the economy and you just can't judge," says Caleb Hoffman, FBLA JHS.
Several local businesses donated more than $20,000 to help Christmas for Kids volunteers purchase the gifts in these shopping carts.
"Last year, we helped around a thousand kids. We're hoping to succeed with that this year," says Branham.
If a family needs a little extra help putting presents under the tree this year, you can still sign up to be included. The deadline is tomorrow at 5 p.m. Go to the Mid America Title Loan Company at 601 West 7th Street in Joplin. They will help you fill out an application.
