RENTON, Wash. — Long before shoppers hit the stores in December, one of the nation’s best-known charitable groups has already reported for duty.
"Christmas is a special time of year for everyone, especially for the Salvation Army. We work all year long to raise funds to purchase toys, to put on donation drives with toys and food and clothing, to work with families and then to sign them up as Christmas approaches so we can have the ability to make Christmas happy this year for over 10,000 kids in King County alone," said Lt. Col. Cindy Foley with the Salvation Army.
Today the Northwest Division of the Salvation Army is marching on the Target in Renton to get gifts for their annual Adopt-a-Family drive.
"The family that's being surprised today has emigrated several years ago from Nigeria, fleeing the unrest in their country. And they have been here," said Foley. "But money is tight and so this Christmas she's going to be adopted by a wonderful donor who's going to make the kids dreams come true."
That doner is none other than Seattle Kraken goalie, Philipp Grubauer.
"Philipp Grubauer is the Salvation Army's first youth ambassador in King County," said Foley. "And he'll be working with us throughout the year doing recreation and other character-building programs to support youth and to promote the work that the Salvation Army does with youth here in King County."
Grubauer said working with the Salvation Army was an easy choice to make.
"It's unbelievable what they do for the community and it's a way for me to give back to the community and help people who are having a hard time and having a tough time and maybe can't afford certain stuff for their kids," he said.
But at today's shopping spree for the family, Grubauer is getting some help.
"I got a couple of Elf helpers today so, I think the carts are going to be full today," Grubauer said.
After shopping for nearly an hour, Grubauer and his elves checkout before heading over to surprise the family.
"We're just here to help people and put a smile and joy during a special time of Christmas on their faces," Grubauer said.
The gifts Chika Izuegbunam and her kids receive are a reminder that the true spirit of Christmas lies in giving and coming together as a community.
"I appreciate Mr. Philipp Grubauer for doing that. And also I appreciate the Salvation Army because without them all these things wouldn't be in place," Izuegbunam said.
Foley added, “You have to have hope that things can get better to give you the strength to move on."
If you'd like to support the Salvation Army's Adopt-a-Family program or one of their other causes you can find more info here.
Sponsored by The Salvation Army
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