Season of Love
Thousands of shoppers searching for last-minute goodies, crowds of families screaming and laughing, salespeople running through the racks hoping to please their customers: nothing new at Christmas time at NorthPark Center. However, on my latest trip to the busy mall, I could not help but notice this year’s extra emphasis on giving. Outside Dillard’s and Macy’s, a variety of charities were soliciting busy shoppers to support their cause.
United States Marines stood strong in the center of the Toys for Tots booth. Along with sponsor Jack FM, the Marines collected unwrapped toys for underprivileged children in Dallas.
One by-product of a gift-hunting afternoon: hunger. It must have been hard for any weary shopper to pass up savory Christmas treats, especially when the profits benefit a good cause. Treats of Christmas was a display of treats that puts any high-school bake sale to shame. The goodies were donated by the Texas Chefs Association, and the sales supported the Union Gospel Mission and the North Texas Food Bank.
After sifting through clothing racks for hours, some shoppers gave up on finding that perfect material gift, and instead opted for one that is full of life. The SPCA was auctioning puppies for $185-$285 and older dogs for $95-$195.