Macy's helps children with Big Brothers Big Sisters experience joy of holiday shopping for loved ones

Instead of taking their own wish lists to Santa, 50 children got to shop at five Macy’s locations across the Pittsburgh region Saturday to play Santa themselves.

The children are part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh’s mentoring program. Helped by their “bigs,” the “littles” got to shop anywhere they wanted in the stores in search of gifts — each bolstered by a $100 Macy’s gift card.

“It’s a great way they can shop for their families,” said Alison Decker, of Highland Park, who was shopping with Jaidan, 9, at the Monroeville Mall Macy’s. “It’s a fun way for them to be part of Christmas morning with their family.”

For 11-year-old Jamere, being able to shop with that much money was “paradise,” he said.

“I don’t think I had $11 in my pocket,” Jamere said.

Other participating Pittsburgh area Macy’s were at the Pittsburgh Mills mall in Frazer, Ross Park Mall, Robinson Town Center, and South Hills Village.

Macy’s at the Westmoreland Mall also participated, but with the Laurel Region chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

This is the third year that Macy’s has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters during the holidays. Each of the five stores in the Pittsburgh region hosted 10 children.

At the Monroeville Mall location, they got started with some breakfast treats and, after they checked out, were given a wrapping station for their gifts.

Other shoppers are able to help the cause through donations by rounding up the totals of their purchases, and an online campaign, that runs through Dec. 24.

Since 2022, Macy’s has helped raise more than $9.5 million.

Danielle Meehan, manager of the Monroeville Mall Macy’s, said the day is one of their favorite events.

“We’re very passionate about this organization,” Meehan said. “It’s the perfect organization for us to partner with.”

Gabby Adams, a marketing and outreach manager with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, said the shopping event giving the children an opportunity to shop for their loved ones was “super empowering and impactful,” and that Macy’s went “above and beyond” for them.

“They just feel so welcomed from the moment they walk in the door,” she said.

Before letting them loose in her store, Meehan told the kids they happened to come during a “one-day sale,” which meant there were some really good prices to help their gift cards go further.

“I got some really good stuff,” said Jordan, 12, while he and his mentor, Casey Carr, of Hampton, were working on wrapping. Jordan said he got gifts for his family and, yes, himself.

“I have to make sure I get me something, too,” he said.

The store’s “Backstage” was also said to be where they could find some good prices. That’s where Bailey Knapp, of Bloomfield, was found looking through clothes with Carter, 11.

“It’s a good opportunity for the kids to get stuff for their parents and their relatives,” Knapp said.