Tiny Tim Shoppe spreads yuletide spirit in Downtown Mansfield
“God bless us, everyone!” Tiny Tim famously exclaimed in the classic story, "A Christmas Carol."
That yuletide spirit returned to Downtown Mansfield on Saturday when the Tiny Tim Shoppe opened its doors for another season.
The Tiny Tim Shoppe is a volunteer-assisted Christmas shop for children ages 12 and younger to shop for affordable gifts for family and friends and have the presents wrapped on site.
“The kids get to experience that joy of giving. Parents or grandparents will bring their kids here,” said Jennifer Kime, CEO of Downtown Mansfield, Inc., which organizes the Tiny Tim Shoppe.
A multi-generational experience
“This is my 13th year. I have six grandchildren; our oldest is 16,” said Cheryl Smith. “The kids are able to buy presents for all their family. I’m here with five of my grandkids. We go to the (Richland) Carrousel. The kids choose where we go to lunch.”
Two of her grandkids were patiently waiting with grandma while the other three shopped.
“I like getting gifts for my family and spending the day with my grandma,” said Cash Gaus, 13, who lives in Richland County.
Cash’s cousin explained the best part of the day. “My favorite thing is the carousel. I like how it goes up and down,” said Luke Boley, 9, resident of Ashland County
Grandma was beaming. “We are so thankful for Downtown Mansfield Inc. doing this,'' Smith said. “It’s great that Downtown Mansfield has this for the kids.”
The Tiny Tim Shoppe filled a void after local landmark, Reed’s department store, closed in 1993.
“Once Reed’s closed, the downtown community was trying to fill the void of activities for families over the holidays,” said Kime. "I’ve been with Downtown Mansfield Inc. for 21 years; Main Street Books started Tiny Tim Shoppe about 30 years ago.“
Shopping locally helps boost the health of the community.
“They’ll go get coffee, go to the Carrousel — it’s really something else to do while they’re down here. It provides a really good memory of shopping downtown and engages the kids to shop locally,” Kime said.
Local students help the youngsters
“Volunteers will meet them and take them shopping,” said Kime. “All of the kids in the front are volunteers.”
A first-time volunteer was eager to serve others.
“Helping kids with Christmas and helping them have fun getting gifts,” Alisha Hill, a junior at Madison Senior High School, explaining why she volunteers. “I coach for our school color guard team.”
A long-time volunteer was at the welcome desk.
“I’ve been volunteering here since I was 5,” said Lily Kime, 17, daughter of Downtown Mansfield Inc.'s CEO. “I love seeing how the kids feel independent shopping by themselves.”
The Tiny Tim Shoppe is a special holiday destination every year.
“It’s honestly one of our funnest events,” Jennifer Kime said.
Reservations to shop are required and can be made online at shopdineexploreandmore.com/tinytimshoppe.
More Tiny Tim Shoppe information
Open: The Tiny Tim Christmas Shoppe will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, 10 and 17 and 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 for Christmas Time in the City
Other opportunities: Private shopping or using the shop for photo background, call 419-522-0099.
Location: The Tiny Tim Christmas Shoppe, 128 N. Main Street, Mansfield, OH 44902
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Mansfield's Tiny Tim Shoppe is a place for kids to do holiday shopping
