May 23, 2012
ALCOA, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Do you have a budget for your Christmas shopping? How about $10,000?
That's what a group of Alcoa, Inc. employees and friends spent Friday morning, but not on themselves.
"This is all about the kids here," said Ken Shepard, an Alcoa Safety Representative.
They have their list and they're checking it twice, trying to spread some holiday cheer to every Blount County child.
"To celebrate Christmas like our families get to. That's what it's all about," said Shepard.
Early morning at the Alcoa Walmart, students became personal shoppers, and Alcoa employees picked up the bill, buying toys for everyone from babies to teens. It all adds up to $10,000 in dresses, baby dolls and other toys all going to more than 1,400 kids right here in Blount County.
All the gifts are packed up for Junior Service League of Maryville's Toys for Blount County Campaign where there is a growing need for help.
"There were some people this year who told us they've never had to register before. Because they've had a lost of a job in the family and have fallen on hard times," said Co-Chair Jamey Hearon.
Alcoa donated $5 for each pre-job safety check they performed in November. Those keep their workers safe this season when injuries are most likely.
"We got our minds on the holidays and everybody's family members going on traveling, so it helps us put our mind back on the task," said Shepard.
Friday that task was selecting the perfect present, with a little kid input to make sure they'll get smiles on Christmas morning.
"It's from Santa and that he cares about them just as much as anybody else," said Mali Glarum, an eighth grader at Alcoa Middle School.
The gifts will be passed out to families next weekend. Applications for the program were accepted in October.
