January 24, 2020
With the help of Champaign radio station Mix 94.5 (WLRW), pre-K teacher Nichole Kitchens was able to realize one of her Christmas wishes for the children in her care at the Rantoul Early Childhood Education Center. Through their annual “Christmas Wishes” program, Mix 94.5 awarded Nichole with $1,000 in December to purchase winter clothing and supplies for her classroom.
The program encourages listeners to tell the story “of someone who needs a little extra special help” around the holidays. Nichole filled out the online form for “Christmas Wishes,” where she asked for help purchasing new coats, hats, and gloves for all her students. The radio station was touched by Nichole’s wish and called her to let her know that they were giving her $1,000 in Meijer gift cards so that she could go buy the items. They also told her she could use whatever was left over on classroom supplies.
“I bought coats for all 17 of my students and four extras for the Rantoul site to use as needed,” Nichole comments. “I bought hats and gloves for all 17, as well, plus some extra gloves for our classroom use.” She had money left over, so she made another trip to Meijer and got dramatic play toys and new games. There are still some funds left, which Nichole says she will hold onto for any project needs that may come up at a later date.
Says Nichole, “I had so much fun shopping for the coats!” She reports that the children in her classroom were very excited about the coats and thanked her for them. She also had one grandparent tell her that someone needs to nominate her for Mix 94.5’s Teacher of the Month Award. Another grandparent even gave her a hug in the middle of her circle time, while many of the parents were quite thankful when dropping off their children.
You can listen to Nichole’s emotional reaction to having her wish granted here.