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Santa’s helpers expect increased requests this season
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Sonya Ellingboe
The prices of toys have shot up, along with everything else in our world, which concerns volunteer coordinator Shirley Nixon. She realizes that when the Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop opens for families from Littleton, Englewood and Sheridan on Dec. 11 and 12, the need will increase greatly. Nixon said the organization served 2,100 children last year
It’s a 50th Anniversary for the Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop, which has provided toys for thousands of lower income children during those years and attracted hundreds of volunteers who mend toys and bikes, shop for new toys and help arrange and man tables during the actual shop days.
Because it’s an anniversary, everyone who has been a volunteer or a recipient as a family is invited to a special reception from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 at Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. Those who have memories or photos that could be shared at the reception are asked to call director Laura Drose at 303-730-9843. Nixon says they especially hope to hear from folks who volunteered a number of years ago.
In addition to the reception, the community is asked to help with toys, time and money. “We have a budget and buy (new toys) through the year,” which supplement donated items, Nixon said. There are dedicated volunteers who repair toys throughout the year and others who watch for good buys on new toys, games and books.
Nixon praised Marilyn Birchenall and Carol Robinson, who clean, repair and dress donated dolls year round and Steve Busey, who repairs bikes all year. Others in the well-organized roster: Pat Boucher and Maggie Anderson work on pre-school items and Carolyn Walker on games. GiGi McShane organizes girls toys and games and Bob Boardman watches over boys items. Longtime book organizers are Jean Johannisson and Barb Boardman, while Lynn Kripikov handles care and feeding of many stuffed toys. Groups, both youth and adult, volunteer together, in addition to many individuals.
Organizers anticipate a record number of requests to be referred this year. Gently used toys, books, games, bikes, sports equipment, etc. for children age 12 and under, as well as funds to purchase new toys are needed.
To get involved:
Money can be sent to Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop, P.O. Box 2004, Littleton, Colo 80161-2004.
Donate toys.
Businesses, schools, civic organizations and individual families are encouraged to hold a toy drive. After Thanksgiving, deliver to Littleton Fire Stations; Broadway Estates Conoco, 6450 S. Broadway; Bradford Auto Body, 2659 W. Main St., Littleton; From Dec. 1 to 9; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Santa Claus Shop location, 5814 S. Datura St., Littleton (the Arapahoe County Multi-Purpose Building.
Volunteer. From Dec. 1 on, help is needed at the Datura Street location to organize, repair and clean recent donations and set up the room. On Dec. 11 and 12, they will For information, see www.arapahoesantashop.org.
The prices of toys have shot up, along with everything else in our world, which concerns volunteer coordinator Shirley Nixon. She realizes that when the Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop opens for families from Littleton, Englewood and Sheridan on Dec. 11 and 12, the need will increase greatly. Nixon said the organization served 2,100 children last year
It’s a 50th Anniversary for the Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop, which has provided toys for thousands of lower income children during those years and attracted hundreds of volunteers who mend toys and bikes, shop for new toys and help arrange and man tables during the actual shop days.
Because it’s an anniversary, everyone who has been a volunteer or a recipient as a family is invited to a special reception from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 at Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. Those who have memories or photos that could be shared at the reception are asked to call director Laura Drose at 303-730-9843. Nixon says they especially hope to hear from folks who volunteered a number of years ago.
In addition to the reception, the community is asked to help with toys, time and money. “We have a budget and buy (new toys) through the year,” which supplement donated items, Nixon said. There are dedicated volunteers who repair toys throughout the year and others who watch for good buys on new toys, games and books.
Nixon praised Marilyn Birchenall and Carol Robinson, who clean, repair and dress donated dolls year round and Steve Busey, who repairs bikes all year. Others in the well-organized roster: Pat Boucher and Maggie Anderson work on pre-school items and Carolyn Walker on games. GiGi McShane organizes girls toys and games and Bob Boardman watches over boys items. Longtime book organizers are Jean Johannisson and Barb Boardman, while Lynn Kripikov handles care and feeding of many stuffed toys. Groups, both youth and adult, volunteer together, in addition to many individuals.
Organizers anticipate a record number of requests to be referred this year. Gently used toys, books, games, bikes, sports equipment, etc. for children age 12 and under, as well as funds to purchase new toys are needed.
To get involved:
Money can be sent to Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop, P.O. Box 2004, Littleton, Colo 80161-2004.
Donate toys.
Businesses, schools, civic organizations and individual families are encouraged to hold a toy drive. After Thanksgiving, deliver to Littleton Fire Stations; Broadway Estates Conoco, 6450 S. Broadway; Bradford Auto Body, 2659 W. Main St., Littleton; From Dec. 1 to 9; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Santa Claus Shop location, 5814 S. Datura St., Littleton (the Arapahoe County Multi-Purpose Building.
Volunteer. From Dec. 1 on, help is needed at the Datura Street location to organize, repair and clean recent donations and set up the room. On Dec. 11 and 12, they will For information, see www.arapahoesantashop.org.
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