{"id":15481,"date":"2017-12-13T14:54:20","date_gmt":"2017-12-13T19:54:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/georgiaarsoncontrol.org\/?p=15481"},"modified":"2017-12-13T14:54:20","modified_gmt":"2017-12-13T19:54:20","slug":"shop-with-a-firefighter-gives-kids-a-lesson-in-selfless-giving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/georgiaarsoncontrol.org\/?p=15481","title":{"rendered":"Shop with a Firefighter gives kids a lesson in selfless giving"},"content":{"rendered":"

VALDOSTA, GA (WALB<\/a>) \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Families are thankful Tuesday night after Valdosta Firefighters took children in need on a Christmas shopping spree.<\/p>\n

It Is known as the annual \u201cShop with a Firefighter\u201d event.<\/p>\n

Tuesday, kids throughout the Valdosta community were smiling uncontrollably after the \u201cShop with a Firefighter\u201d event that allowed them to get whatever they wanted most for Christmas.<\/p>\n

Unbeknownst to them, they got a two-for-one special\u00a0as they were able to see first hand how the spirit of giving is a selfless act.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven though they\u2019re receiving gifts, they are seeing that other people are giving so that they may have and we hope that that carries on throughout their lives and understand that the true gift is giving,\u201d said Assistant Fire Chief Brian Boutwell.<\/p>\n

That message showed in all of the kids who participated, as one boy promised his younger cousin a bike if he had enough money left over.<\/p>\n

Only one child per household can be selected to shop with a firefighter, but that didn\u2019t stop them from making sure everyone went home happy.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just a blessing to the kids that are unfortunate or families that don\u2019t have,\u00a0it\u2019s just a blessing,\u201d said Marilyn Hankins.<\/p>\n