Centinela Christian Child Development Center took 75 kids to shop for gifts for their family, friends and loved ones.
Two buses pulled up to the Target in Culver City, where 75 of Santa’s little helpers entered looking for gifts for their parents, friends, loved ones and pets. Ages 2-6, the pint-sized youth and Centinela Christian Child Development Center (CCCDC) staff took off throughout the store looking for the perfect gifts.
“Today we brought 75 of our friends because we wanted to have children rethink the way that they originally think of Christmas,” said CCCDC Administrator Charvon Jones.
On Tuesday, December 12, CCCDC kicked off their first Merry Little Givers Shopping Day as the young students learned what really matters during the holiday season—giving.
Everywhere you turned, there was a cart full of CCCDC kids, going over their lists and checking it twice. CCCDC staff helped the youth check off their list and pick out gifts. Jones shared how she had other holiday activities for the kids to participate in holidays past. This year, she wanted her “friends” to learn the beauty in giving instead of receiving.
Related Stories
Unveiling ‘Rustin’: Netflix’s Powerful Tribute to Unseen Force Propelling MLK’s Dream
African American-Owned Friday Redefines Holiday Shopping
“This is our first time doing this,” said Jones. “They have to start young and so, when they start young, they learn how to train their mind to do things differently.”
Jones continued, “So every child got to decide who their favorite people were, whether it was mommy or daddy.
“Some friends picked pets, some picked friends and siblings. And so, we were able to compile some things that those people wanted so that our volunteers had an idea of what to get them today.”
After shopping, the children took their gifts back to the school to wrap them. In addition to the Merry Little Givers Shopping Day and in collaboration with The Source LA, CCCDC is extending the joy of giving through the Adopt a Family program. The center is accepting donations to support families in need this holiday season. All monetary contributions received will go towards providing toys, pajamas, coats, food assistance, and transportation for deserving families in the community.
Jones watched the students as they clung to the sides of carts and sat in them picking gifts left and right. She shared how it felt to watched them pick out their gifts for their friends and loved ones.
“It was amazing,” said Jones. “It was amazing to see them want to and be excited to give back to others as opposed to receiving.”
Established in 2014, CCCDC is a reputable educational institution that fosters the holistic development of young minds in Inglewood, California. Located in Inglewood, CCCDC has been a cornerstone of academic excellence and character-building for children ages two to six. The center provides a nurturing and inclusive environment for children, offering a comprehensive curriculum that integrates academic learning with social, emotional, and spiritual growth.
