Game show winnings go to charity
By Emily Sorensen
For Poway resident Itzy Haumschilt, appearing on the “Price is Right” wasn’t just an exciting personal experience, but a chance to make a difference for her charity, “Operation Christmas Child.”
Itzy Haumschilt during her appearance on "Price is Right."
“It was the most amazing experience,” said Haumschilt, who went as part of a group of volunteers for Operation Christmas Child, and was chosen out of the audience to come on stage and play. Haumschilt made it all the way to spinning the wheel, spun 50 cents on her first spin, then went 10 cents over on her second and was eliminated from the game. “I was the only member of my group that got to be a contestant and go on stage,” said Haumschilt, who ended up winning a karaoke machine and $700. She plans to donate her winnings to Operation Christmas Child, to help with expenses. “I wish I’d won more money, so I could help more kids,” said Haumschilt.
Operation Christmas Child is a program that is part of Samaritan’s Purse International Relief, that packs shoeboxes full of toys, soap, school supplies, shoes, and anything that might benefit a child in need, as well as $7 for shipping and handling. The boxes are then sent all over the world. This year, the organization plans to sent its 100 millionth shoebox.
“I was really upset I didn’t win,” said Haumschilt, “but the exposure for the organization has raised a lot of interest from others who want to help.” Haumschilt has been with Operation Christmas Child as a volunteer for 10 years. She originally packed shoeboxes, but last year went to the processing center to help check individual boxes. Now, she’s an all-year volunteer, serving as the area coordinator for North San Diego. “I thought, you know, I have to do more,” said Haumschilt, who said the commitment required to be area coordinator “is huge.” Her area is committed to packing 250,000 shoeboxes this year.
In addition to going on the “Price is Right” to get media exposure for her charity, Haumschilt is also collecting soap and shoebox donations, as well as planning her next media visit. “I’m going to try and go to every media [outlet] in San Diego to promote [Operation Christmas Child],” said Haumschilt, who is also hoping to go on more game shows to win money for the organization.
Haumschilt has taken her passion for Operation Christmas Child home as well. There’s already a Christmas tree set up outside her home, surrounded by shoeboxes to promote her charity. “My husband thinks I’m crazy,” said Haumschilt, “but some of my neighbors have already donated items.”
When she’s not busy with Operation Christmas Child, Haumschilt also volunteers as site supervisor for Valley Elementary School’s after-school homework club, a commitment of 40 – 50 hours a week for Haumschilt. “Everything I do, if you connect the dots, is for children,” said Haumschilt.
For more information on how you can donate to Operation Christmas Child, email Itzy Haumschilt at itziar01@yahoo.com.
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Posted by Emily Sorensen
on Oct 17 2012. Filed under Featured Story.
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