Royals Help Needy Holiday Shoppers

Manager Trey Hillman made the rounds in Kansas City Friday, including a stop by the Johnson County Christmas Bureau Holiday Shop to spread some holiday cheer.

After spending the morning visiting area radio and television stations, Hillman joined a handful of Royals associates and mascot Sluggerrr at the Holiday Shop, which has been serving those in need in Johnson County for 30 years. The group of volunteers distributed winter coats, clothing, food and holiday gifts to low-income families and individuals from the area. Hillman’s first assignment: manning the canned corn and canned peas tables.

The Johnson County Christmas Bureau — a volunteer, non-profit organization created in 1960 to provide food, clothing, gifts, toys and personal care items to those in need — operates the holiday shop each winter. This season’s shop is open from Nov. 30-Dec. 8 at the Cherokee Shopping Center in Overland Park, Kan., with plans to help more than 9,000 needy residents. Nearly 100 local groups and organizations — including the Royals, area schools, churches and businesses — volunteer time at the holiday shop each year with 25 to 30 organizations staying involved all year long.

Along with volunteering at the shop, the Royals – through Royals Charities – have also held a coat drive at the stadium for the past four seasons that benefits the JCCB Holiday Shop.