Tutorial Center Shop-A-Thon 2008 Was A Big Success
Provided by: Rochelle Candiotti
Contributed by: Joyce Ross
Once again Santa's "elves" made a stop at the West Jupiter Community Group's Tutorial Center located in the Limestone Creek area of Jupiter. On December 12, 2008 50 or so volunteers could be heard scurrying about helping to put together the 10 th Annual "Shop-A-Thon" orchestrated by the Center's Executive Director, Edna Runner.
Each year Runner tries to make the event bigger and better - this year was no different. The 90 students were treated to refreshments and activities provided by area businesses. The entertainment was provided by parents and staff alike. There was plenty of laughter, singing and dancing as a much anticipated "competition" (involving student back-up singers and dancers) entertained the crowd. After much applause for all involved a winner was declared and a few "we'll be backs" were heard above the roar of the crowd. "Next year is our year" declared Loretta Spinello, Assistant Director of the Tutorial Center, and Maria Marino, Executive Director of Jupiter Children's Foundation.
Children lucky enough to attend the Tutorial program are treated to a day like no other. Try to imagine what they must think the first time they participate in one of these events. After a snack, introductions all around and a general discussion of what's in store for them, the students (who have made out family wish lists weeks before) enter a room literally exploding with gifts galore. There are sections for mothers or fathers, teachers or siblings and friends where they can select the perfect gift for their loved ones (and maybe a few for themselves). And best of all there is not a price tag in site. Xavier Carter one of the young shoppers said "It's good, you get to pick out things for your family and it's free!" After much deliberation, Xavier and his volunteer assistant are whisked away in a giant wrapping station where gifts are wrapped, labeled and set aside to be taken home for the big day. The volunteers love watching the innocence, excitement and event the deliberation that takes place as the students select the perfect gift. The only thing better than this would be witnessing the student's excitement first hand on Christmas morning as they had out their treasured selections.
"It's gorgeous", said 6 th grade student Kiara Reed. Another teen Phillip Pizarro said "It was helpful to get things for my family" of his first Shop-A-Thon experience. While Tee Tee Cummings stated "I saw some things I liked and hoped no one would take them before it is my turn." Ashley Collier in the 7th grade thought aloud "Wow, it's very cool to get something for my friends and family that they really wanted." Jade Riggins is a 7 th grader who has attended the Tutorial Center for 2 years but this was her first Shop-A-Thon said "It was fun. My favorite part was picking out the presents."
Although most of the volunteers have attended several Shop-A-Thons and probably had favorite jobs, everyone was more than willing to pitch in wherever needed. Staff member Gwen Montgomery thinks "It's amazing to see the volunteers and how much they like to give, truly from their hearts. They gave their time and their gifts. It brings joy to my heart and tears to my eyes when I see a child who is participating for the first time...getting the gifts for themselves and their families and really appreciating it."
But 8th grader Terry Lewis summed it up best when he said "It's my last year. I'll miss it." |
