Contact: Elaine Tricoli
Phone: (336) 373-2421

Volunteers Needed for Annual Shopping Event

GREENSBORO, NC – (October 14, 2008) – In the best of circumstances, holiday shopping can be a daunting task. For those who have a disability, it can be overwhelming.

Each year, the Greensboro Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities plans an event that pairs people with disabilities with volunteers who can assist them as they shop for holiday gifts at a local mall. While the Special Shoppers Day event is still weeks away, the search for volunteers has begun.

“Our volunteers in the past have told us that this is a great way to jump-start their holiday season,” said Donna Gray, Community Relations Manager for the City of Greensboro, and coordinator of the event. “With just a small commitment of time, you can make such a difference in the life of a person with a disability, while shaking off any winter blahs and getting yourself in the holiday spirit.”

This year’s event will take place on Thursday, December 4 at Four Seasons Towne Center.

Volunteers will accompany a shopper with a disability as he or she shops for holiday items, visits Santa or gets refreshments.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for high school students who are looking for community service programs and for adults who simply want to help others,” Gray said.

The Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities is a coalition of businesses, human service agencies, and individuals of all levels of ability. The Committee works to create a barrier-free community. 

For more information or to volunteer, call Donna Gray at 373-4583.

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The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body. For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.