The Boogie Bus -- Christmas Wish Tour volunteers ride the "Boogie Bus" to spread joy and Christmas cheer throughout Mid-Michigan. (MyBayCity Photo Courtesy of Sandra Long)
Christmas Wishes Tour Makes Christmas Happen For Area Families
This is group's 5th year making the "tour" to area needy families
December 12, 2010
By: O. J. Cunningham
Five years ago, Lauretta Kloha started giving back to the community by starting the Christmas Wishes Tour.
Lauretta Kloha with a very happy Mom.
(MyBayCity Photo Courtesy of Sandra Long)
Each year, Kloha contacts local agencies to find families in need. This year, the group contacted United Way and Make A Wish Foundation.
The group, headed by Kloha, originally was made up of just a few friends, but over the past four years, the "team" has grown to almost thirty volunteers.
According to a recent M-Live interview, "Kloha's group works with the United Way and the Make-A-Wish Foundation to find people in the area facing economic hardship who wish for a happy holiday season. With the money from their own pockets and contributions from some organizations, the Christmas Wishes Tour provides clothing, hygienic supplies, food and toys to families in need."
Kids listen intently to Santa during the 2010 Christmas Wishes Tour.
(MyBayCity Photo Courtesy of Sandra Long)
For 2010, the group "adopted" 4 families:
One was a senior citizen living on her own (there was no heat in her home because of a furnace problem.) Lauretta made calls and the senior citizen had heat that same night.
Also helped was an Adult Foster Care home, with 12 residents
as well a a single mother with four young children and one other family.
Once Ms. Kloha (Lauretta) has narrowed down who the group will be helping, she sends out a list of what the needs and Christmas wishes are to her family and friends.
The group then makes purchases and secures donations that will go to the families. This year there was around 25 people aboard the Mobile Boogie Bus (which donated the service to the group), including Santa and Mrs. Claus to take presents and pantry items, which includes food, laundry care, clothes and of course toys to those families who need a little extra cheer.
It's all part of spreading the joy of Christmas by the Christmas Wishes Group.