KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Sheffield Place is being transformed into a Winter Wonderland thanks to Amazon’s “sleigh,” a truck that was holding roughly $15,000 worth of gifts for families.
“We are here to really spread love and cheer from Amazon to the community that serves us,” Amazon Director of Operations Nikki White said. “I see nothing but joy and love in this building, and we're just here to add to it and I think that's what we're doing. “
Sheffield Place is a local nonprofit that provides transitional housing and resources for mothers and their children who are homeless.
Olisa Gardner has been with Sheffield Place for three weeks.
“Some of us don't have anyone or have any family to call on, so for someone to step in and fill in that gap, that's what we're supposed to do as a community,” Gardner said.
She said she’s grateful for Amazon’s support.
“They're not just looking at us like, ‘Oh, they need the help.’ No, they're coming in and they're encouraging us,” Gardner said. “They're setting up these wonderful little exhibits for the kids.”
Box after box, Sheffield’s wish list of essential items were fulfilled from blankets to coats to diapers and toys.
Gardner said this event allows her 3-year-old daughter Jahlisa to learn about compassion and coming together for the holiday season.
“That's what I want her to remember. The toys are great, I'm sure she'll remember some of them,” Gardner said. “But just the fact that someone took their time out to show love, that's important, that's more important than the toys.”
Amazon's "sleigh" will be traveling to 33 cities in total to #deliversmiles. Its next stop is Lexington, Kentucky.
