The 27th Weigel’s Family Christmas stands as a remarkable event that unites kids from different backgrounds. It brings together those from the Boys and Girls Clubs and The Salvation Army, allowing them to fulfill their Christmas wishes at Target. This year, an impressive 259 kids participated, with the dedicated support of 350 volunteers.

"Spreading Christmas Cheer with the Weigel Family's Generosity"

The Kids' Arrival and Breakfast

The kids made their way to the Knoxville Expo Center, where a delightful breakfast awaited them. Donuts, cookies, fresh fruits, and refreshing drinks filled their plates, setting a cheerful tone for the day. Here, they also had the chance to meet Santa Claus and the beloved Bimbo Bakeries mascot Osito Bimbo. This initial gathering was a moment of excitement and anticipation.After the breakfast, the kids boarded several buses and set off for Target. Volunteers were on hand to assist each child in choosing items according to their sizes and toy preferences. This personalized attention made the shopping experience truly special.

Selecting and Filling the Carts

Most of the children were focused on filling their carts with essential items for themselves and their siblings. They carefully piled clothes onto the carts, ensuring that everyone would have something warm to wear during the winter. Once the basics were taken care of, they added a variety of toys and gifts. "Wicked" dolls, giant Squishmallows, Lego sets, footballs, and scooters found their way into the carts, bringing smiles to the kids' faces.The eager kids sat in their carts, surrounded by the items they had chosen, creating a scene of pure joy. They waited patiently in a long line, weaving through the aisles with their volunteers, ready to check out and bring their Christmas treasures home.

After the Shopping and Lunch

After checking out, the purchased items were bagged up and loaded onto a truck, which then returned to the Expo Center. Weigel’s provided a delicious lunch for the kids, with a generous serving of hot dogs and hamburgers. This was a moment of relaxation and celebration, as the kids enjoyed a well-deserved meal together.Chairman Bill Weigel expressed his hope that the kids would remember this special day. "It’s something that they might not get again. So, you know, it’s a nice Christmas for them."The Weigel’s Family Christmas has come a long way since its inception in 1998 with just six kids. Over the years, it has helped over 5,000 children in Knoxville have a fun and enjoyable Christmas shopping spree. This event continues to be a source of joy and hope for many.