5 ELVES OF INTEREST
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that scheduling can get hectic.”
“It’s the generosity of the whole community that comes
together,” says Carol, explaining that the true meaning of
Christmas Kids is the partnerships that they have developed.
“As an example, Sunrise Ford will donate $25 to Christmas
Kids for every vehicle they sell. QVC employees build and
deliver 50 tricycles, while Riverside National Bank has collection
boxes stationed at their branches. Also, local churches
hold pancake breakfasts to raise money.”
Greg, a former ESPN anchor, is enthusiastic about involving
local sports franchises. “We have the Florida Marlins,
Tampa Bay Rays and the Orlando Magic donating to Christmas
Kids,” says Greg. “For their Christmas in July game, the
New York Mets asked people to bring a toy and in turn, they
got into the game for free.”
In 2006, more than 1,800 children received toys. “We give
3 new toys to each child,” says Carol. “We deliver the toys
to the parents and they decide who the toys are from. They
could be from Santa, or the parents themselves.”
Besides involving businesses and other organizations in
the Christmas Kids program, the Wyatts are now getting
teens to volunteer their time to the cause. “We have the high
school students shop for the kids,” says Carol. “They know
what a 12-year-old would like much better than we do.”
Christmas Kids doesn’t stop when Christmas is over. The
program puts 200 children through summer camp, where the
focus is on swimming lessons to prevent drowning.
“The summer camps are just as valuable for the kids as the
toys are,” Carol says.
Name: Greg and Carol Wyatt
Ages: Greg is 64 and Carol is 59
Craft: Reaching out to help
children
What people don’t know about
us? Greg is a great pasta chef and
Carol spent part of her childhood
in Pakistan.
Favorite Holiday Memory: Greg
recalls the first Christmas that he
and Carol spent together. They
dragged a newly purchased
Christmas tree in the Boston
snow for six blocks, much to
the dismay of the locals. Carol’s
fondest memory is the first time
that they watched their two
grandchildren open presents and
later helped them assemble toys.
Elves
Elves
Elves
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