‘This is their Christmas’ | More than 250 kids get $200 Christmas shopping spree

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – On Saturday, the annual Weigel’s Family Christmas event took place in Knoxville, giving more than 250 kids in East Tennessee a shopping spree at Target.

Weigel’s, a convenience store chain based in Powell, Tennessee, organized and provided funding for the event to allow 259 kids to spend $200 on whatever they wanted.

Bill Weigel, chairman of the board at Weigel’s, spoke about how much fun it is for everyone to take part.

“This is their Christmas. It’s a chance for them to do just what they want to do for Christmas. Whatever they want, they get. And if they go over a little while, that’s all right too. If they get $220, that’s alright,” Weigel said. “I just can’t tell you how much fun it is for us, not counting the kids.”

Michael Yates was one of the more than 300 volunteers helping out on Saturday, and he said it’s all about giving back.

“It’s a great experience. These little kids are so excited, and it’s just a great time to spread the cheer and joy,” Yates said. “It’s all about other people. It’s not always about yourself, just about other people in your community.”

The Weigel’s Family Christmas has been an annual tradition since 1998, and Weigel said he hopes the tradition continues for decades to come.

“I think as long as we’re a company, we’ll continue this. 50 years from now, we hope to still be doing it. It’s a big part of our year,” Weigel said.

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