TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The 20/30 Club and Walmart came together to give Topeka families a shopping spree.

The holiday spirit was in full swing.

“This is just a great way to give back to the city and the community,” said Topeka Mayor Mike Padilla.

The 20/30 Club is an organization made up of men in their 20s and 30s.

There were 200 members of the Family Service and Guidance Center, Kaw Valley Center, and the Boys and Girls Club treated to a $200 Christmas shopping spree at Walmart.

“To see the smiles and joys on the kids’ faces, that you get to give them stuff that they traditionally don’t get to pick out on their own, they get to get gifts for themselves, for their loved ones, for their friends or siblings,” said Pam Evans, Director of Marketing and Development, Family Service and Guidance Center. “It’s a really special event.”

The different organizations are thankful for the 20/30 club and how they support the families during the holiday season.

“Christmas time can be really difficult on families and you know, the 20/30 Club members take so many families into their hearts and make sure that Christmas does come with the families right here in Topeka,” said 20/30 Club president Chad Hunsicker.

Club members walked around Walmart with the kids and helped them choose anything they wanted throughout the store.

“We’re so lucky to be able to have a part in all these children’s lives,” Walmart manager Kristen Harvey said. “All we can do for the community, that’s what Walmart’s all about is the culture and taking care of our communities.”

Mayor Padilla attended the event and even made his rounds around the store with families. It reminded him what this time of year is all about.

“It is a reminder of what this season is about,” Mayor Padilla said. “It’s not about just the toys and stuff, it’s about who you involve.”

It was also a reminder that this time of year can be difficult for parents too, and it meant a lot to them too.

“You can see that the parents are enjoying it as well,” Mayor Padilla said. “I look at them, I look back at the parents, and I can see them smiling just as much as the kids are. So it’s very, very heartwarming to be here and it’s a privilege to be here.”

“You don’t realize it until you kind of look beyond the kid,” Hunsicker said. “You can see the smiles on the parents’ faces as well, it’s really cool to watch.”

Following the event, Mayor Padilla surprised Harvey with a challenge coin to honor all she has done for the store and community.

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