Stevens Point businesses go on holiday shopping spree for Toys for Tots

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) – Every kid dreams of opening a pile of presents on Christmas morning-but some families struggle to make that happen. A group of businesses in Stevens Point teamed up on Tuesday for some holiday shopping so that no kid is left out.

“We’re just going to have a lot of fun.”

Holiday shopping is a frenzy and it’s no different at Fleet Farm in Stevens Point. Around 25 people from local businesses gathered and then scattered to fill their carts. For 18 years, they’ve been working with Toys for Tots.

“It’s one of those programs that we look forward to every single year,” Ascendance Truck Centers Regional President John Vandehey along with the CEO of Furniture and Appliancemart Bill Fonti said.

From Barbies and Hot Wheels to winter essentials, there’s a never-ending list of things to buy.

“Lots of stuff! Kids need stuff, right? Kids need stuff! And you know what? If we can be Santa Clause just once a year, then why not,” Fonti and Vandehey said.

This year, they can help even more families with an increased budget of $14,000. With a budget of $35 per toy, they estimate about 40 to 50 carts filled up.

“That’s what we’re here to do,” Fonti and Vandehey added. “Provide and gift them and it’s one of those wonderful events that you’ve got to give from the heart and that’s what we do”

They have four more events in the coming weeks for different communities equaling about $50,000 to $60,000 in donations. It makes quite the impact on Christmas morning.

Fonti and Vandehey say they both want to put lots of smiles on kid’s faces.

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