Valley real estate investor Michael Pollack partnered with Child Crisis Arizona by making a $20,000 donation to give 20 families a special holiday gift.

Pollack, president and founder of Pollack Investments, treated each family to a $1,000 shopping spree at Target, where they could use the money to buy groceries, clothing, toys or anything they might want or need for the holidays, according to a press release.

“We wanted to make a huge impact this year giving the gift of financial support that allows families in need the ability to purchase essential items and Christmas presents,” Pollack said. “I’m so excited to meet these families in person as they receive a $1,000 monetary gift to spend at Target that will surely make a positive impact on the upcoming holiday season."

The shopping spree took place on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at the Target store at 1818 E. Baseline Road in Tempe.

Child Crisis Arizona, which has been serving the community’s most vulnerable children, youth and families for 45-years, works to provide children and youth in Arizona a safe environment free from abuse and neglect by creating strong and successful families.

The 20 families selected for the shopping spree are typically working several jobs to make ends meet and are living well below the poverty line.

“For many of our low-income families with children the holidays can be a time of extra stress. It’s pure joy to see Michael Pollack stepping forward to take care of 20 of the families we work with in order to make their lives a little easier and spread some very generous holiday spirit,” said Torrie Taj, CEO of Child Crisis Arizona. “Thank you, Michael, for making this an extra special holiday season for the families and the children that we serve at Child Crisis Arizona.”

Pollack said he hopes his donation will encourage others to give back and make a difference in their community.

Pollack has been in the real estate business for more than 50 years, 30 of those years in commercial real estate. To date, he has been involved in more than 11 million square feet of real estate projects. He is based in Mesa.

To donate to Child Crisis Arizona visit childcrisisAZ.org or call 480-304-9471.