PAL Volunteers Make Mother's Day Memories

The Police Athletic League here in Howell is involved in a wide range of activities from sports leagues to theater programs and everything in between. 

This weekend the PAL found a new way to help the community as they partnered with the local for their annual "Share a Moment," program. As part of the event on Saturday a group of local children were able to bring their moms to the store and buy them a much deserved gift. 

Jamie Szyarto, the Program Coordinator for the PAL said this was the first year they took part in this national program. Knowing their community Szyarto said they reached out to families they felt could benefit most from the day. "It's a good bonding experience with the mom's and their children," she said. 

The children were not on their own at the store as a group of PAL volunteers were there to help them and take part in the day. While not the traditional way to spend a Saturday the PAL members said it was a fun experience and brought back memories of their childhood. "It was cute seeing the little girls try to pick out what they wanted to get for their moms," said Emily Cofrancisco.

Now a senior in high school Brooke Wilson said the day brought her back to her childhood. "When I saw the little girls I was like I remember when I was a littler girl and I used to shop with my mom at that age." 

More important than what stylish items they bought was just the fact that they were doing this event for their mom said Megan Migioia. "Just seeing how happy the kids are is better than anything else we could be doing," she said. 

The store's manager, Crystal Thornton, said it was a good event for everyone involved. "I think it's just fabulous," she said. "I'm just happy to be able to be a part of it and spend time with the kids and the PAL helpers."

Szyarto said being able to help the community like this is part of their goal on a regular basis. "That's our goal to bring more programs and more opportunities for everyone to get involved with," she said.