Contact: Donna Gray
Phone:   (336) 373-2723

Special Needs Shoppers Head to  the Stores with Volunteers
Shopping day helps raise awareness and acceptance of persons with disabilities

GREENSBORO, NC -- (December 6, 2006) – The Greensboro Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities will hold its annual Special Shoppers Day on Thursday, December 7 from 9 am to noon at Four Seasons Town Centre. This event marks the 21st anniversary of Special Shoppers Day, during which volunteers assist special needs individuals with their holiday shopping.

This event gives store owners, retail employees, and volunteers valuable insight into the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. Store owners who interact with special-needs shoppers can then use the feedback to improve their shopping experience. In addition, volunteers gain a heightened sense of awareness regarding the special needs population of Greensboro, as well as a better understanding of the importance of acceptance and compassion.

“The Greensboro Mayor’s Committee works throughout the year to better the lives of Greensboro’s special needs population,” said Mayor Keith Holliday. “This event allows us to not only assist our special needs population with shopping, but also helps to raise awareness of the challenges they face each and every day. These challenges are often magnified during the holiday season. On this special shoppers day, with the help of our volunteers, we can take a small step that makes a tremendous difference in the lives of those who cannot do many things that most of us take for granted.” 

For more information on the Greensboro Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities or Special Shoppers Day, call Donna Gray at 373-2723.

The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to increase the quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment of inclusion, diversity, and trust.  As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2,800 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect.  The City is governed by a council-manager form of government with a mayor and eight council members.  For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.

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