ST. PAUL - Although things will be done a little differently this year, the Santa's Elves will once again be dedicated to collecting donations to ensure children of all ages receive a gift this holiday season.
Support from the community will be crucial this year, as the group heads into the holiday season with fewer funds, following last year's campaign.
The elves will once again be based out of the St. Paul Regional High School where staff and students will focus on gathering donations and wrapping gifts. But, this year organizers are encouraging monetary donations, rather than actual toys, clothing, books and other items.
Dawn Robitaille has been involved with the Santa's Elves for 27 years now, and says the initiative began a few years prior to that.
Simply put, this year the elves are in need. Last season took a lot out of the group's bank account, which adds a challenge to this year's gift drive. Also, precautions will be taken due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to reduce the number of hands on items and gifts, for example. the group is asking for cash donations this season.
Cash donations also allow volunteers to shop for what they need. And any leftover donations are held for the next year.
“If a person wants to shop that’s fine too, we just need to isolate the boxes," says Robitaille. Gift cards are also a great alternative, she adds.
One challenge that Robitaille anticipates this season is a lack of Christmas parties occurring. Often, staff from local businesses will collect toys and gifts at holiday parties for Santa's Elves. This year, there will likely be less of that taking place due to restrictions around gatherings.
At this point, it's hard to say what the exact need will be throughout the community, but each yer there is a significant need. The elves typically work alongside the Knights of Columbus as they take on their annual food hampers. This year, the food hampers have been taken over temporarily by the Town of St. Paul FCSS, and the County of St. Paul and Elk Point FCSS.
Over the years, Robitaille has witnessed firsthand the impact that the gifts can have on families in need. At times, there have been families who have benefited from the gifts and hampers, and they have later returned the favour by donating when they were in a position to do so.
"It feels good helping others," says Robitaille. "It's just nice to give."
She notes that people aren't usually aware of other people's situations, and may be unaware of the need for such a program. But, there are many families who live pay cheque to pay cheque, and the holiday season can make things especially tough.
“There’s lots of need out there, that’s for sure.”
Having students involved in the efforts is also a positive experience, and creates awareness to the needs of others. Student volunteers will be wrapping gifts over their lunch hours, leading up to the holidays. A collection box will also be available at the school. People who choose to deliver to the school must follow all precautions in place, such as wearing a mask, when they enter the building
Donation boxes will also be set up at Peavey Mart, Giant Tiger, and Canadian Tire in St. Paul.
Cash donations can be dropped off at the St. Paul Regional High School, or etransfers can be sent directly to: [email protected]
For more information, contact Robitaille at 780-645-4491. The deadline for collecting items and funds for the 2020 season is Dec. 16 at noon.
