The holidays aren’t just a time for joy and generosity – they’re also a time for celebrating local leadership!
Pride for Parents is a pop up shop that sells new gifts and toys at prices that families can afford. It’s a way to offer neighbors a joyous shopping experience, full of holiday cheer and neighborly warmth. It doesn’t happen without the dedication of volunteers.
This year, three neighbors offered to lead the Pride for Parents Store. Kaiya Ciho, Betty Maddox, and Anel Kovitz were at the forefront of spreading cheer and generosity at the pop-up toy store.
“Every year since we’ve lived in South Atlanta, my family has come to the toy store to buy gifts for each other,” says Kaiya. “When [Neighborhood Engagement Coordinator] Mikayla asked if I wanted to help out this year, of course I said yes. It’s been fun to see the toy store grow over the years!”
Ms. Betty was motivated to honor the memory of her granddaughter, Jakierra. “Ooh, she loved Christmas,” Ms. Betty shares. Sadly, Jakierra passed away four years ago, but Ms. Betty feels connected to her through her participation in the season. Ms. Betty says, “I’m a community activist, and I saw an opportunity to be part of Pride for Parents to help create big smiles on everyone’s faces.”
Anel, who marked her third year leading the shop, says she loved working with all the volunteers who united to make it a great experience – not just an “okay” one. “One shopper told me that it was a beautiful store,” Anel says. “She even said it was much better than shopping anywhere else and so wonderful that she could shop in her own community.” One particular highlight was stocking a variety of items to appeal to pre-teens and teenagers. “This was the first year we were able to say to the families, ‘we definitely have something for your teenager,’ and the look on their faces was priceless!”
Each day brought new experiences and special memories. “I think one of my favorite moments from this year was looking around the storage space after we had just unloaded all the toys from our giant shopping spree and a big donation from Buckhead Church,” Kaiya says. “Combined with all of the packages we had received in the mail from lots of partners, we could barely walk! There were so many toys stacked high in any direction we looked,” she laughs.
Ms. Betty says, “Watching the volunteers wrap all the gifts and making the parents smile” was a highlight. “I’m looking forward to Pride for Parents getting a bigger location and staying open for longer days,” she shares.
Anel appreciates the community effort. “It felt like everyone from South Atlanta was involved,” she says. This includes her own family – Anel’s children “love being in the store whenever they could,” she shares.
It’s efforts from neighbors like these that show true leadership. Without their efforts, Pride for Parents wouldn’t be possible. We’re so grateful for the way they (and so many others) have given so generously of their time and talents to bring the magic to life this holiday season!
