It’s still just early November, but the annual Santa’s Workshop initiative is already gearing up for another busy Christmas season.
For the next month and a bit, Santa’s elves will be hard at work in the Comox Valley, accepting monetary and gift donations, and repairing, restoring, and cleaning gently used toys.
Once they’ve been restored, the toys will be available for children (16 and younger) of families in the Valley who might need a little help with the costs of providing gifts this Christmas.
Parents can set up times to visit the workshop to do their Christmas shopping.
The annual Santa’s Workshop initiative is now in its 37th year. Last year, the non-profit society distributed gifts — including 218 bicycles — to almost 600 children in the Comox Valley.
“You know you’re benefiting people,” said co-ordinator Donna Kennedy. “It’s just so nice to see the smiles and the happiness when they come in. Some are in tears. You know they need it and it’s a great feeling.”
The workshop opened on Nov. 2 this year, and will be open until Dec. 22. It will be open on weekdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The deadline for toy donations is Dec. 8.
The workshop is located at 470 Puntledge Rd.
