ROCHELLE — On Thursday, the Community Action Network (CAN) hosted its annual Shopping Trip event for area families in need at the First Presbyterian Church. 

Through donations, the annual Christmas Children’s Shopping Trip saw 226 children referred by local schools, churches and nonprofit agencies attend and receive basic clothing items and more. Children and local volunteer shoppers were shuttled by the Lee-Ogle Transportation System to Walmart with $75 gift cards for each of them. Shoppers were given lists of needs and sizes for each child, and kids picked out a toy as well. 

Thursday’s event also featured a spaghetti dinner, visits with Santa and toys donated by the Hub City Cruisers car club. Coats and shoes were available at the First Presbyterian Church as well for attendees. Brand new shoes were given away at the event after CAN received a grant from the Rochelle Area Community Foundation. 

“For the CAN Board, this is the way we start our holiday season,” CAN Board President Michelle Pease said. “It's just an amazing way to start it off by giving back and being a part of the community.”

Pease said some of the volunteer shoppers have been taking part in the event for decades. The event is CAN’s biggest of the year, and the shopping trip was started by the Rochelle Jaycees back in the 1980s before other community organizations got involved. 

The shopping trip has been able to cater to more and more children over the years. Walmart aides in the event with donations and facilitating the shopping experience. 

Pease said the night can be hectic for its organizers, but it’s always worth it in the end.

“It's a very hectic and chaotic night and things go really quickly,” Pease said.  “It can be crazy, but everything always works out and the kids get a wonderful spaghetti dinner and shoes, coats and clothing for the whole school year. It's just a great way to give back to our community for those who need a little bit more.”

The shopping trip event is co-sponsored by CAN, Rochelle Noon Kiwanis and Golden K Kiwanis. The organizations are already accepting donations for next year, and 100 percent of donated funds go to the community’s children. Checks may be made payable to Community Action Network, P.O. Box 432, Rochelle, IL 61068.

“We're just a community that comes together,” Pease said. “Seeing the kids come in here after their shopping trips is awesome. We're just grateful for our volunteer shoppers who show up every year and support the community and shop for the kids.”