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Kelly’s
helps to make the season bright
Grand Island Dispatch,
December 8, 2006
For more than 40
years, Kelly’s Country Store on Grand Island has been home to one
of the most unique shopping experiences in Western New York. If
an old-fashioned Christmas is on your list, Kelly’s has just what
you need to make your wish come true.
The atmosphere is just right at Kelly’s, with its
antique décor, spinning lights and Christmas music. Favorite
holiday movies play for the kids, as parents shop for stocking stuffers
and one-of-a-kind gifts. You can practically hear those sleigh bells
jingling when you step into Kelly’s famous Christmas room, which
features an antique toy display, animated Christmas scenes, Santas
from around the world, and a beautiful turn-of-the-century Nativity
scene.
For 30 years, kids have loved watching Santa Claus
come down the chimney at Kelly’s, where the jolly old elf himself
will be on hand Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m.
and weekends from noon to 5 p.m. until Christmas. You may bring
your camera or have the staff at Kelly’s take pictures of the kids
with Santa. Children of all ages can even drop off their letters
to Santa in the special red mailbox in the lobby. Letters mailed
here are delivered swiftly to the North Pole in time for Christmas.
Also at Kelly’s this year is an expanded serviceperson’s
Christmas tree or “Troop Tree.” Kelly’s welcomes submissions of
the names of your loved ones serving in any branch of the armed
services, deployed or not. These names will be displayed on the
tree throughout the holiday season. To submit a name, rank, and
branch of service, just call Kelly’s Country Store at 773-0003 or
the office at 773-7757.
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Island second-grader Emily Martinez, left, and her friend, Mikayla,
pose for a photo with Santa recently at Kelly’s Country Store, 3121
Grand Island Blvd. During this season leading up to Christmas, Santa
will be at the store Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.;
and on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. |
“That’s my special thing,” said Marilyn Anderson, a 16-year
employee of Kelly’s who thought up the idea of the Troop Tree. Her grandson
serves in the National Guard. “What can you do to appreciate them?” she
said of the men and women who serve U.S. military. “It’s never enough.”
She describes the special tree as “kind of a Christmas card to them.”
She said Kelly’s employees keep the cards with the names
of the servicemen and women from year to year. Family members will update
the cards as their loved ones are promoted to higher ranks within their
branch of the service.
Anderson also wants to remind visitors about Kelly’s special
gift and candle room to the left of the counter as you enter the store.
She said people who have been coming to the store for a long time are
sometimes surprised to discover that unique room.
As always, Kelly’s offers lots of unique gift ideas, from
Christmas coal candy, homemade chocolates and fudge, old-fashioned jar
candy, and new this year, nine different holiday clusters from Charlie
Chaplin to Oreo filled chocolates, all homemade. Specialty rooms are packed
with goodies, including jam, collectibles, candles, ornaments, gift baskets,
stuffed animals, porcelain and crystal giftware, and much more.
For three generations, the Kelly family has outdone itself
to ensure a memorable holiday experience and to provide the perfect gifts
to bring smiles on Christmas morning. This year is no exception! Visit
Kelly’s at 3121 Grand Island Blvd., to see for yourself. Store hours are
Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information visit www.kellyscountrystore.com.
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