Santa's Gift Shop-Letter to the Editor

After years of hosting a Santa Mart for kids, to purchase Christmas gifts from a selection of donated items, the YMCA has had to cancel their event due to lack of donations. They received less than half as much stuff as they had in previous years and roughly half of what they did receive wasn’t in adequate condition to include in the sale. This event, to my knowledge, is not advertised and was simply donated to and attended by those who had heard of it through the grape vine. Its’ success was 100% dependant on donations of household items and of people’s time.

Having children able to purchase gifts for their family, for very minimal expense, and have their purchases all wrapped up for Christmas, gives a child a great sense of pride and accomplishment. I know my kids looked forward to this event every holiday season and were very disappointed to learn that it had been cancelled.

So, instead of sitting around sulking, I have organized Riverview’s 1^st Annual Santa Gift Shop, to be held December 15^thfrom 10am-2pm at the Chocolate River Station. To make this event a success, donations are essential. Items such as household goods, golf balls, jewelry, books, puzzles and gift wrap, in new and gently used condition can be dropped off at the Chocolate River Station on Thursday December 13^th from 1pm-3pm or Friday December 14^th from 4pm to 6pm. All proceeds from the sale will go to Riverview P.R.O. Kids and remaining items will be donated to the Salvation Army.

If you don’t have any items to contribute, we are also looking for gift wrappers, personal shoppers and a musical guest(s) to contribute to the festive atmosphere.

I am confident that my family isn’t the only one disappointed about the YMCA. So lets come together and make this event something special! The look on your child’s face when they pass you the gift they shopped for themselves is something you won’t ever forget.