The joy in watching the kids shop is a testimonial in itself. But watching the kids run to their moms and dads with so much excitement is even better. They are so anxious to show what they bought and are so proud of the items.
- 2019 AppKIDS Shopper
This was my first time helping with this program and I am so glad I did. My three little friends were a joy to meet and drive to campus. I hope next year I will have time to also serve as shopper. One of my little friends was so excited about the day and he couldn't wait to eat "at the mansion" -- The Chancellor's house :). It was so wonderful to see the excitement and I am also so thankful for all the people at App State who coordinate this amazing day for the kids! Thank you!!
- 2019 AppKIDS Driver
The child I was helping shop for said several times "I just don't want this day to end."
- 2019 AppKIDS Shopper
Such a rewarding experience!
- 2019 AppKIDS Shopper
Lot's of fun for the volunteer and the kids that participate with AppKIDS!
- 2019 AppKIDS Shopper
My children absolutely had the time of their lives. They enjoyed the shopping and loved the little dresses we found. My little girl told me that "now she could be pretty like the other girls in her class."
- 2019 AppKIDS Shopper
I enjoy doing this every year.
- 2019 AppKIDS Shopper
My little girl was such a pleasure. She was very talkative and when she wasn't talking she was singing. Very personable. This was such a blessing to me!
- 2019 AppKIDS Shopper
We are always touched by these children. They are truly grateful for the time and the items purchased on their lists for them.
- 2019 AppKIDS Shopper
It was so much fun to watch the kids be creative in creating their own wrapping paper for the gifts they wanted to give. You could just see how big their hearts were when they were telling us who the gifts were for. It was a great experience, not only for the kids but for the volunteers as well!
- 2019 AppKIDS 'Other' Mall Volunteer
Our best story was of a child who didn’t want to spend his money. We finally asked him what would make him really happy. He said, a fedora like the Provost, but we didn’t have a clue where in Boone to find one. We only had $20 left. We went to Belk and were guided to the hat rack, the closest thing we could find was a leather ball cap. It was not going to cut it! So just for fun we looked on the back side of a rack that wasn’t supposed to contain hats, and there was ONE straw fedora! The smile was enormous. He looked dazzling with it on his head. We looked at the price $44, marked down to $32... oh dear, still way to much... We decided to check the price with the cashier anyway... and you’ll never believe it... it was marked down to $5!!!!! The good news was he could afford it ... the bad news was we STILL had more $$ to spend. It was the best moment of the day...
- 2019 AppKIDS Shopper
My little girl, had never had a new pair of shoes before. When I allowed her to pick her shoes out she was so excited and couldn't wait to get home and show her mom and dad what she had gotten. She shared that growing up in a house with 8 other brothers and sisters new things just didn't happen and hand me downs were all they ever received. She carried her shoes the rest of the evening until she got to her moms car and was able to show her that she actually had a pair of shoes WITHOUT holes and that actually fit.
- 2019 AppKIDS Shopper
As the afternoon was winding down, a little boy skipped over to the wrapping table. I noticed that he was quite squirmy and continuously side-eyeing another student at the other end of the wrapping station. "Hey buddy! Are you ready to wrap your gift?" I asked. He fidgeted with the toy in his hands and then leaned in close as he whispered, "it has to be a secret! He can't see!" It didn't take long to figure out that this little boy was excited to wrap the toy truck in his hand as a gift for his friend that was working meticulously on the tape dispenser a table's length away. We hunkered down and made a game plan to wrap the toy truck as quickly as possible so his friend wouldn't see it. The little boy giggled with excitement and pranced back and forth as I tied the final ribbon in place. Within seconds, the gift was being thrust into the hands of the friend who had, in perfect timing, walking up to our side of the table. What took about ten minutes of dedicated wrapping skill and technique, aka a couple pieces of tape and some crayola washable markers, was torn to pieces in a matter of seconds. Both boys were filled with joy as they gawked at the new truck. As these little boys exchanged their gifts (because, as it turns out, the other boy had also been preparing a gift for his friend) I think we all recognized a very important lesson. The best gifts aren't the most expensive or shiny toys. The greatest gift is the experience of giving.
- 2019 AppKIDS 'Other' Mall Volunteer
It is overall a great experience each year. It is a day I look forward to. I love the excitement and the joy that it to the brings the children.
- 2019 AppKIDS Shopper
I [ASU volunteer] have been a single parent for 16 years and my children qualified for a similar program a few years in a row. More than once if it weren't for that program my children wouldn't have had a Christmas at all. I love participating in APPkids as often as I can as my way of saying thank you and giving back.
- 2019 AppKIDS Shopper
We were paired with girls from Hardin Park and Parkway. The students did not know each other and said the day started out awkward but by the end of the day they had made a new friend. One said, "I've never made friends so fast. Today was great!”
- 2019 AppKIDS Shopper
I was given a heads up about my two middle school boys ... Sometimes there is misbehavior. I explained the rules for the day: from breakfast, to good car manners, good store behavior, lunchtime, at the mall and beyond. They were perfect gentleman in everything we did!
- 2019 AppKIDS Shopper
After spending time with our student we learned her vision was poor and she didn't have glasses. We were able to talk to the school social worker about getting her glasses. Luckily there are resources available that would be little to no cost for the student! We also learned about some bullying behavior in school and talked about ways they could handle those types of situations in a productive way. It is amazing how much the students will open up in such a short amount of time when you are intentional and present about the time you spend with them.
- 2019 AppKIDS Shopper
The young lady that I escorted was very special. When we sat down to eat our breakfast she bowed her head and asked the blessing. While shopping, she cared enough about other siblings to want to purchase for them as well. She also enjoyed singing!!! When she wasn't talking, she was singing. A very precious little girl!!!!
- 2019 AppKIDS Driver
I would love to encourage other faculty members to participate! It is a great way to connect directly with our local community, and it is such a joyous and excitement-filled occasion! Even a couple of hours gives a chance to make an impact on this day.
- 2019 AppKIDS 'Other' Mall Volunteer
