This year’s Operation Santa presented a huge challenge that the community stepped up to and met with some to spare. With 85 children on the list, we needed more gifts than ever before. But when gifts were handed out during the Dec. 15 food shelf day, not only were there enough gifts for all those on the list, but also for children from four other families who used the food shelf for the first time in December.

One new food shelf user said he had already talked to his three children, telling them not to expect any special gifts for Christmas.

“Your gift is that we all get to be together,” he said. But thanks to the generosity of our community, these kids will have presents to open on Christmas morning.

This generosity of our community cannot be discounted. Not only did we receive donations of cash, gift cards and toys from individuals, but many area organizations and individuals also donated to the effort.

Two area preschoolers brought me a $10 bill from their piggybank.

The Tower-Soudan Lions donated money that was used to purchase warm winter items for all the children on our list. The congregation at St. Martin’s Catholic Church collected substantial donations during a church service in December, which made the last-minute gift giving possible. The Little Church of Vermilion Lake bought age-appropriate toiletry items for every single child on the list. Vermilion Shear Image and Northern Pine Embroidery both donated generously to the collection. Rick’s Relics and the American Legion made sure each of our children got a nice stuffed toy this year. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church quilters donated handmade lap quilts. Vermilion 4-H members donated toys and stocking stuffers. Several people donated handknit caps this year, along with handmade baby clothes.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who dropped off toys and other items. If I have forgotten to mention anyone, please know that your help was truly appreciated.

Operation Santa simply would not happen without everyone’s help. I would like to thank all those who helped with the shopping and sorting of gifts: Max Helmberger, Corky Eloranta, Cheryl Lamppa and Linda Ronchetti.