Visalia, CA: FCN helps to make spirits bright at Christmas

VISALIA, Calif. -- The stockings were hung on the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. Their feet had been measured for new socks and new shoes and on Saturday, Decem-ber 10th they took them home with a smile on their faces. From face painting, sports balls, books and sing-a-longs to games, pizza, socks and shoes. Each child is given a special Santa surprise when they visit with him and look into his eyes. Volunteers cheering, high fiving and calling out woot, woot as the children receive their bag full of Christmas loot.

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Ann’s Kids for Christmas Program has a rich history of touching the lives of literally thousands of children over its 33 year history. The program works with staff members and teachers from various local schools to help select children be-tween the ages of 3 and 10. Without this event, many of these children may not have the chance to experience the magic of Christmas.

Smiles and the laughter filled the room as the children looked around to see all the wonders of the amaz-ing day. “I saw my big gift and said to myself, that big one is for me! This is the greatest day ever!” said one young boy.

There are many to thank for this SPECTACULAR day:

• Payless Shoes – for always giving us the best deals and the best of yourselves!
• Visalia Sunset Rotary— thinking about KFC all year—putting your money where your mouth is.
• Visalia Rawhide – the Tipper shirts were the best! And so was Tipper!
• Champion Ball Company – all the kids love sports balls.
• Read for Life – fabulous gift – a book of their own.
• Visalia Breakfast Rotary — making a difference in our community.
• A & W — who doesn’t love the A & W bear?
• Cal Fire – Coloring books and crayons and bringing Smokey the Bear.
• And many, many monetary gifts!

And then, just as quickly as it started, the event was over. Each child walked back to the buses sporting a new pair of shoes and carrying a huge bag of gifts. Each volunteer left with a full heart. That’s a wrap!

For more information on how you or your company can get involved with Ann’s Kids for Christmas 2017 please contact Venita Jour-dan at 800-540-9011 or vjour@fcnetwork.com or visit their web site at www.fcnetwork.com to see a video montage of the history of the event (click on the giving back tab on the top of the page, play video on the bottom right corner).