The La Porte community came together for the 52nd annual Deserving Children Shopping Tour on December 6 and 7. The event, hosted by the La Porte County Association of REALTORS (LPCAR), sees children provided with the opportunity to shop for holiday gifts for themselves and others. The event began in 1970 and happened every year consecutively until being forced to take an in-person break due to COVID-19. This year, it’s back bigger and better than ever.
“We had discussed what we were going to do this year, and I think it was pretty much a unanimous vote to bring the kids back and take them in person,” said Tracey Cummins, president of the LPCAR.
“This is the first year in two years that we're taking kids again,” said Kim Kemiel, third-grade teacher and co-chair of the committee behind the shopping tour. “The last two years, due to COVID, we've just shopped for the kids, so we're excited to bring the kids back and see those smiles and for them to have a good night.”
The event is possible through a combination of public support in the form of volunteer chaperones and private partnerships with sponsors like CompressAir. CompressAir has been a sponsor of the shopping tour since 2018, and the company has proven to be committed to making sure the event turns out well.
“CompressAir donates the bags that we put the stockings and all the kids’ items in,” said Kemiel. “They've been doing that for a couple years, and we really appreciate it because without that the kids would be just keeping everything in their hands. They've been very generous.”
The shopping tour is split into two nights. The first night is held in La Porte, and the money is raised primarily by the LPCAR. Tonight’s activities included food provided by McDonald’s, pictures with Santa, and a trio of stormtroopers from Northern Darkness Garrison.
“We fundraise all year round,” said Cummins. “We do a lot of give back nights at restaurants. We also had a bingo night this year, which was really successful and raised some money. Our auction is always in November.”
The second night, set to be just as successful as the La Porte night, happens in Michigan City and receives funding from local businesses in the area and fundraising events. One of the biggest is the Roof Sit with 96.7’s Dennis Siddall, which raised close to $50,000 this year, similar to LPCAR’s fundraising efforts. All of the money raised goes towards helping nearly 800 children in the La Porte County community have a happy holiday.
“There are so many children that are in need in our community,” said Kemiel. “This event has been going on for 52 years, and every year it grows. I'm a teacher, so I see the need in the community. We keep continuing the Deserving Children Shopping Tour because the kids love the event. Wait until you see the smiles on their faces.”
Without the continued support of sponsors like CompressAir and the volunteers in the community, the shopping tour would not be possible. Everyone in LPCAR and the Deserving Children Shopping Tour event appreciate the La Porte community, and Cummins noted that the support helps even outside of this specific event.
“We all look forward to this every year, but it's not just something we do one month out of the year, or two months out of the year. We are fundraising all year round,” she said.
Tonight’s event in La Porte is only the first of two. The second night in Michigan City is set to bring in even more kids for a holiday meal, pictures with Santa, and a night of shopping. LPCAR is happy to have this event back in-person, and the children certainly were as well.
To learn more about LPCAR and their events, visit its website at laportecountyrealtors.com.
To learn more about CompressAir and the services it provides, visit its website at compressair.net.
