S.A.N.T.A. stands for Sharing Among Neighbors Toy Appeal, and the project provides toys for families who live in the Crow-Applegate-Lorane or Fern Ridge School District.
“S.A.N.T.A. volunteers are your friends and neighbors who work year-round to help you give your kids a joyous holiday. We have too many gifts left over each year … please let us help!” the S.A.N.T.A. Project flier states.
The annual program serves, on average, 600 children. The kids get a new coat, two books, and two new toys that are selected by their parents.
The giveaway will happen from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 10 in the gym at Veneta Elementary School, 881131 Territorial Highway.
It is a first-come, first-serve program. Proof of residency in the Fern Ridge area is required. Proof of each child’s age is also needed on the day of the giveaway. No income verification is required.
During the giveaway, no children or infants are allowed in the gym.
Fern Ridge Middle School leadership students are helping the S.A.N.T.A Project by holding a Teens and Tweens Gift Drive. Their goal is to get gifts for students ages 11 to 17. Items include journals, blankets, puzzles, toys, electronics, lotions or sports equipment. This drive started Nov. 21 and ends Monday.
There are bins at the Fern Ridge Public Library, Key Bank, Banner Bank, Dollar General, Bimart, Grocery Outlet, Green Streak Automotive and many more locations around Veneta to accept donations of new books and toys.
