Start making your list and checking it twice because the Kids Only Holiday Shop is coming back to Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest on Wednesday, December 3.
A treasured community tradition, children are guided by volunteer elves, local middle and high schoolers, through the holiday shop where local businesses have set up mini-stores with gifts $10 and under, tax included.
Elves help each child select a gift for all those on his or her list, careful to stay within budget, then escort the child to the wrapping room where gifts are carefully packaged and tagged.
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“We have participated in the Kids Only Holiday Shop at Gorton for the past eight years, and it’s our favorite way to kick off the holiday season,” said Kristan Lacey, owner of Emily Lacey Hand-Smocked, Embroidered & Monogrammed Apparel.
After all packages are wrapped, the elves then bring the children to their parents in Mrs. Claus’ Café, where complimentary coffee, cider and sweets will be available.
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“Parents love this event because it offers children an opportunity to make independent decisions in a really fun, nurturing environment,” said Gorton’s Program Director Catherine Yehle. “Children love it because they know that their parents, siblings, and grandparents really will have a surprise waiting to be unwrapped.”
In addition to Emily Lacey, some of this year’s vendors include Kiddles, Zen of Slow Cooking, Blue Mercury, Valentina, Penny’s From Heaven, Jolly Good Fellows, The Salon, Toffee Traditions, Splat Toys, Helanders, Initial Choice, CL by Caroline Leech, Pampered Chef, Usborne Books, Gifted, and more.
The Kids Only Holiday Shop will take place in Gorton’s Grotto on the lower level from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Due to ongoing renovations to Gorton’s first floor and theater, please use the main entrance at 400 E. Illinois Road.
The Kids Only Holiday Shop has a few spots left for vendors and volunteers. For more information on the event or to be a vendor or volunteer, please visit www.gortoncenter.org.
Gorton Community Center is a privately-funded, not-for-profit 501c3 organization which operates in partnership with volunteers and the City of Lake Forest to enrich the lives of its residents through cultural arts, education and charitable service. Gorton relies on the generosity of residents and businesses to help fund programs, services and building improvements offered in the historic building owned by the city. The gathering place in the heart of our community where people connect, converse, learn, listen, play and perform.
