Kendra Wingate and her elves threw a memorable holiday party at Palm View K - 8 School on Friday. The celebration marks 10 years since she started spreading holiday cheer through Manatee County schools.
Kendra and her husband, Ross, both graduated from Southeast High School in the 90s. Her father, a retired District educator, suggested she teach their boys a lesson by adopting families during the holidays.
It started with four families at Samoset Elementary School. This year, Kendra and her sons, a high school junior and an 8th grader, delivered wishes for 75 students at Palm View, as well as donations to Ballard Elementary, Bashaw Elementary, Horizons Academy and the migrant education program.
The party at Palm View was new this year. Kendra wanted to give each child at the school a toy. Her family, friends, colleagues and other angels in the community purchased gifts from her online registry. More than 680 toys in total. It brought a gymnasium filled with smiles, from Squishmallows to soccer balls.
Santa brought his pirate ship sleigh with the
Crewe, a connection the Wingates made through their friendships at Southeast High.
This year, GSD Florida (construction) provided Carousel’s and some of the gifts, at the suggestion of an employee, Ashlie Fulmer, Kendra's friend from high school. They also volunteered their time to help in Santa's toy shop.
There was even a visit from our favorite miniature therapy horse, Mr. Pickles from DD's Miracle Minis, owned by Lindsey Ryan - you guessed it - another Southeast High graduate!
It's incredible, yet not surprising, how a community comes together to support such a worthy cause during the holidays.
The "Every Child is Worth Something" project gets bigger and better every year.
In 2024, when the Facebook group fires up with requests, Kendra's friends, former classmates, colleagues, sports teams, girl scout troops and more, will surely activate and pull off an extraordinary Christmas for families who need it most.
On Friday at Palm View, as she pulled out her cell phone and snapped a photo of a little girl embracing a soft teddy bear, Kendra said, "This is what it's all about."