Each Holiday Season, Executive Council Charities partners with a charity and the members of Executive Council 70 take economically disadvantaged children shopping. In recent years, the charity partner has been UMOM New Day Centers. UMOM provides safe shelter, housing and supportive services to homeless families and individuals, serving more than 2,000 children each year.

The Holidays are a particularly difficult time for these children since they do not have the resources to enjoy the season the way other children would. We arrange for a Saturday morning shopping adventure at a local store for about 135 children. Each child is paired with a volunteer chaperone from Executive Council 70 who guides them around the store, buying items from a list developed with the UMOM staff. Not only do the kids get a few toys, sports equipment and other desired items off their “Santa wish list”, they also get important necessities like clothes and toiletries.

Many also make sure they get gifts to give to other family members. In some cases, just having a caring adult willing to spend a few hours with them and get to know them is the best gift they receive. At the end of the shopping experience, a complimentary lunch is provided to all the kids. It truly is a magical day and all at no cost to the charity or the children since our members underwrite the program.