Shoppers help give foster children joyful Christmas

MARIETTA – Hundreds turned out today to a Marietta Wal-Mart to purchase gifts for children in foster homes throughout Georgia as part of Clark Howard’s 20th Annual “Christmas Kids Campaign.”

“I am so excited about what we’re having happen right before our eyes,” Howard, a nationally syndicated talk-show host, said during his News/Talk WSB radio program, which broadcast live from the store.

As part of the program, shoppers select a foster child’s Christmas wish list and purchase whatever items they can. Last year, listeners donated gifts for 3,078 children in foster homes in 70 counties throughout Georgia, and officials said they were pleased with the turnout on Saturday.

“I think it’s a great event – it helps kids have a Christmas who wouldn’t otherwise have that opportunity,” said one participant. “Everyone needs to have a Christmas.”

Howard kicked off his series of six live broadcasts from Metro Atlanta Wal-Mart stores, appearing at the Roswell store on Thursday. On Friday, he appeared at the Duluth Wal-Mart.

Listeners still interested in participating in the campaign, have three more chances to do so. Howard will appear at the Wal-Mart in Dunwoody (4725 Ashford-Dunwoody Road) on Thursday, in Alpharetta (5200 Winward Parkway) on Friday and in East Cobb (3100 Johnson Ferry Road) on Saturday.

There are about 8,000 children in foster homes in Georgia. In addition to purchasing gifts, interested shoppers were treated to cake honoring the program’s 20th anniversary.