Customers gave and we gave

Customers gave and we gave Additionally, Andrea trimmed an artificial Christmas tree dubbed the Giving Tree, whereby shoppers who placed a new, unwrapped toy for a child age 6 months to 12 years underneath, could select one of a 100 gifts on the tree.

Using the Kids in Distress logo, the Silvermans made ornaments—each given a number that corresponded to a gift bag containing a small present, from an extra 5 percent to 10 percent off purchases during the event to a free Chamilia bracelet or tickets to the circus. “It was a dual giving tree," says Andrea. "Customers gave and we gave."

Resulting gifts filled a minivan—floor to ceiling—with items like books, Barbie dolls, and Legos. Plus, more happy clients came in the following week to drop off toys, these donations subsequently filling three garbage bags, according to Andrea.