‘Auntie Dragon’ and holiday helpers provide gifts for 40 area children
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CLINTON — The owners of Green Dragon Tattoo Studio in Clinton, Sheila Norris and her spouse Linda Davis, started hearing stories of local families that continue to struggle during the holiday season.
Several clients of Sheila’s reported that there were many families in the community that were in need and thought it would be nice to have some other support out there for them besides existing groups during the holidays.
After continuing to hear stories and recognize families in need, Linda decided to offer an Auntie Dragon’s Kid’s Tree for those families. So, Auntie Dragon’s Kid’s Tree began October 2017.
Auntie Dragon’s name came from all of the clients who would bring their children into the studio to see the famous minion’s Dave and Kevin (that were at all the local charity events and parades).
The little ones started referring to Sheila as Auntie Dragon since the studio is called Green Dragon.
They asked on social media that, if any family was in need, to contact them for an application. Applications were sent by mail, email and were picked up starting on November 1.
All applications, along with financial documentation and proof that the children were enrolled in local schools, were due back by November 15. On November 16, they approved 40 applications, and tags were placed on the tree for anyone to come take and help the kids have a nice Christmas.
Families were asked to provide clothing sizes, along with something fun the children liked.
To our surprise, not oneof the children asked for anything big, all smal,l necessity items. Several local business and clients took tags from the tree and made donations.
Their goal for the first year was to help 25 kids. Thanks to several clients and local businesses (CrossFit in Wapella was a big sponsor with 18 kids) they were able to help 40 kids this holiday season raising $4,500 for gifts. They exceeded their first year goal by 160 percent. The 2018 goal is to help 60 children.
Sheila and Linda thanked everyone who took tags, gave cash or gift card donations, dropped off toys and offered to help sort gifts, wrap and anything they needed to help these kids wake up on Christmas Day with smiles on their faces.
