In partnership with the Daisie Foundation, our stores in Milwaukee and Chicago surprised entire schools of students with gifts and a sense of “Holiday Magic” that will last a lifetime.
The Daisie Foundation’s mission is to uplift women and children in underserved communities by providing them with opportunities for joy, celebration, and love. One way they live out this mission is by surprising schools in underserved communities each December with a “Holiday Magic” event. The events entail surprising every single student in the school, as well as some teachers and staff, with a gift and a holiday party they’re sure to remember.
For the second year, our Evergreen Park, Ill. store sponsored the event, which took place this year at Deneen Elementary. Our team secured gifts for every student in the school – from playdough to board games to self-care kits, the preschoolers through eight graders all received items suited to their ages.
“It gives you goosebumps to see they joy on the children’s faces as they’re being celebrated,” Evergreen Park Store Director Tammy Macak said. “It really reminds you how a simple gift can be so meaningful to a child this holiday season.”
The Chicago event was a giant party filled with dancing and fun with Chicago celebrity and former Chicago Bears Defensive Tackle Anthony “Spice” Adams serving as emcee.
Our Oak Creek, Wisc. store sponsored a similar Holiday Magic event at Allen-Field Elementary in Milwaukee alongside the National Latino Law Enforcement Organization (NLLEO). At the school, no one but Principal Fritz Blandon, knew the event was happening until Dec. 16 when they were surprised in the school’s auditorium with gifts, music and fun. The party featured a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, elves and the Milwaukee Brewers’ beloved Racing Sausages.
In a single week, we’re pleased to have surprised more than 1,600 children with holiday cheer through Daisie Foundation events in Chicago and Milwaukee.