HOUGHTON LAKE – Members of fifteen departments and organizations met at the Houghton Lake Walmart to help children do their Christmas shopping. Those assisting the children included members of the Michigan State Police, Sheriff’s Department, and several local agencies.
MSP Sargent Scott Bates, of the Houghton Lake Post, first orchestrated this event in 2003 to help children who otherwise may not have a good Christmas. He organizes the event each year, contacts parents, Walmart, solicits donations, and contacts various organizations to help.
Monies donated for the event allowed each child to purchase $125 in gifts for themselves and their family members. Each child is paired with a “Hero” who helps them shop. Once purchases were complete, and taken to the wrapping station, youngsters were treated to an individual pizza.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to hear the Christmas wishes of the children and for photographs. For more information or to make donations for 2023, contact Trooper Koboldt at 989-422-5103.
