Erin Haluschak
Record staff
More than 500 Comox Valley children received gifts this year thanks to the Santa’s Workshop and the efforts of community groups, companies and individuals.
Volunteer Barb Metheral said in its 35th year, the organization received donations of new and used toys, cash and services which helped to provide gifts for 524 children from 277 families. In addition, 46 grandparents ‘shopped’ for 132 grandchildren and 222 bikes were given to kids.
“This would not have been possible if not for the generosity of our wonderful community,” she noted in an email.
Santa’s Workshop helps parents of the Valley with children from newborns to 16 years old by providing toys for Christmas.
Volunteers clean, repair or restore and repackage toys readying them for distribution.
Metheral credited the help of all the volunteers to make this year’s workshop a success.
“There are so many dedicated ‘elves’ who have been back at the workshop year after year and they are to be commended as well for all their hard work.”
Last year, more than 300 parents came through the warehouse to select a variety of toys.