Giving some Fort Dodge area children a $100 Christmas shopping spree is the goal of a newly launched program.

It is called Joy With a Purpose.

The initiative is being launched by Damien Miller and Clarisa Bernard.

”We intend to bless as many children as we can this year,” Miller and Bernard said in a written statement. ”Each child that is chosen will receive $100 and choose their own Christmas gifts, spend quality time with many others and even enjoy some hot chocolate afterwards.”

They are now seeking donations and nominations of children to participate in the program.

Joy With a Purpose builds on an effort Miller conducted last year when he used donations and some of his own money to take seven children on a Christmas shopping trip. Those children were recommended by their teachers.

Miller and Bernard now hope to get nominations from teachers and others throughout the community.

Those nominated for the program may be ”children from a family in need, a child that had an extra hard year or even a child that could just use some extra care and attention,” Miller and Bernard wrote.

How to help:

To nominate a child for a Joy With a Purpose shopping spree, write to joywithapurpose2021@gmail.com.

Nominations can also be made by calling Clarisa Bernard at 515-571-9692 or Damien Miller at 515-227-2388.

Donations will be accepted in person, through a Facebook fundraiser or through Venmo:joywithapurpose2021.