MADISON, Wis. — The Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, with support from local donors, surprised many Madison families on Wednesday with a holiday gift — a $500 shopping spree at Target and Metcalfe’s Market at Hilldale Shopping Center.
For one Madison mom of three, her surprise didn’t stop there. After finishing her purchase at Target, Erica Odeneal exited the building to find a crowd of people waiting for her — and a new car with a bow on top.
At first, Odeneal was in disbelief. “I’m shaking,” she said. “This feels like a dream. I can’t believe it.”
She then turned to gratitude, thanking the donors of the car and the organizers from the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County over and over again. The car couldn’t come at a better time — the single mom had recently lost her job.
“This is gonna change my life,” Odeneal said. “I literally was ready to give up hope. I love it”
Odeneal was one of 40 Madison families that were gifted the shopping spree on Wednesday. Families were able to visit both Metcalfe’s Market and Target to purchase groceries and gifts for the holidays.
In order to make the shopping sprees happen, Target at Hilldale Shopping Center provided for a quarter of all purchases, Metcalfe’s Market sponsored $2,500 of the families’ grocery shopping fees. Many community members and corporate sponsors also helped contribute thousands of more for the families.
“I think what’s really important this year is reaching out and touching a family and telling them that we care,” Tim Metcalfe, owner of Metcalfe’s Market, said. “It just really shows that we can change somebody’s life by doing such little things, even by smiling at somebody.”
For Odeneal, and for many of the families that benefitted from the donations, it’s all about the kids.
“I have to show them that no matter what I’ve been through, look at your mama — she’s strong, she’s a fighter,” Odeneal said. “No matter what you have to do, just keep going.
For those interested in contributing to the Boys and Girl’s Club of Dane County, you can visit their website to make a donation.
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