Testimonies from Shoppers and Families
From a Grandparent:
“I want to thank you for the opportunity to get my four grandkids into this wonderful program. We went Sunday and they had so much fun picking out clothes! They picked out pajamas, underwear, socks and other items, all within our budget. For the last several years, most of their clothes have been hand me downs. They were SO appreciative and so am I. What a great program and I plan to donate to it myself when our situations gets better.”
From a Shopper:
“I just completed my shopping. I started talking with the cashier about the large numbers of families being served by Warm the Children this year and I got all teary eyed. This is such an emotional and rewarding thing to do for families in need. Thank you for letting me be a part of the program again this year.”
From another Shopper:
“The associates at Walmart are so gracious and accommodating to our families. Warm the Children is such a rewarding experience. Everyone is overwhelmed by Rotary’s generosity to children and families in the Southtowns. So glad to volunteer again this year.”
“My wife and I met with our parent yesterday. To read the stories is one thing. To have experienced assisting the family is quite an amazing experience. It certainly puts a lot of things in perspective. Makes any problems that come my way trivial in comparison to hearing the story firsthand. But seeing the family so grateful to receive the clothing was one of the greatest feelings of my life. We certainly would be happy to volunteer again.”
“I shopped today with a young mom and her young son and daughter. Helping her was a heartwarming pleasure. Her husband died suddenly at the age of 33 this past year. She works hard to provide for her kids and was so very thankful to get the help buying coats, boots, gloves and hats for them.”
“Today I shopped with a mom and her one-year old baby. They warmed my heart! They were so appreciative of the program to help them through a difficult time. This family brought me to tears. The program is such a blessing to those in need. I feel honored to be a part of it! Thank you. It was so touching to see the joy on their faces!”
“I completed my shopping today with two moms. Both women were so very appreciative and selected nice, warm clothing for their children. Thank you for the opportunity to assist with this wonderful program!”
Appreciation and Gratitude from Parents
From a Mom with Three Youngsters:
“My shopper was amazing! She was kind and patient and helpful. We’re writing thank you cards to our shopper right now. I am so grateful and appreciative that my kids are warm and cozy. The program is wonderful!”
From Parents of Two Children:
“I just received help from Warm the Children. I met with my shopper, Rosemary. I just wanted to tell you how much it meant to my children and me. Thank you so much! Thank you for everything you have done for us…”
From a Grandmother of a Pre-schooler:
“I would like to thank all who are involved in Warm the Children. A special thanks to Tori, our shopper, who also gave my grandson clothes that no longer fit her grandson. What a wonderful program and we’re thankful we were involved in it this year. Merry Christmas!”
From the Mom of a Five-Year Old:
“Thank you so much for your generous gift of shopping for our son. Kristen was our volunteer and she was really kind and helpful. I recently lost my job and my husband has been on disability for end stage kidney failure. The money hasn’t been there recently to buy our son things like we used to. So, when I came into his room with three shopping bags his eyes lit up! Thank you so much for your kindness, concern and generosity. Our son loved it and it definitely warmed this Momma’s heart!”
From the Parents of Several Children with Disabilities Whom They’ve Adopted:
“I would like to send a heartfelt thank you to all who are involved in this program! It was so very kind and generous of you to include our family. We were able to get new coats, boots, gloves and warm clothing for our children through your generosity! We are very grateful, especially to Cecelia who helped with the shopping.”
From a Mom & Dad New to the United States:
“My family and I want to thank you for the help you are giving us. It is a very nice gift of new clothing for my daughters. God bless all of you!”
From a longtime volunteer shopper regarding the Warm the Children volunteer experience for her son, who has accompanied her over the past 7 or 8 years:
“My son Matt is at college now and I think of how young he was when we first started volunteering for this program. My little shopper is now 18! I am happy to report that the seed of volunteering that was started with Warm The Children is going strong.
He is already looking into the Peace Corps, has done the day of caring at Brockport College with a German Shepard Rescue Group and is volunteering with the International Institute and Refugee Center in Buffalo on winter and summer breaks.
I'm very proud of him and thought you'd like to know that not only does the Warm the Children program help families, but also can inspire its volunteers!”
