Regina students sort donated toys for 980 CJME’s Santas Anonymous

Thousands of donated toys and dozens of students from St. Jerome Elementary School filled the Regina Food Bank Thursday for 980 CJME’s Santas Anonymous sort day.

As Grade 7 student James Guichwang motored back and forth from the toy piles to the categorized bins, the 12-year-old said he felt a sense of gratitude.

“We shouldn’t take advantage of what we have,” he said. “We should be grateful for everything we get.”

Students from St. Jerome Elementary School are sorting toys for this year’s @CJMENews Santas Anonymous at the @ReginaFoodBank. Wrap Day is this Saturday (Dec. 15), starting at 8 a.m. — an hour earlier than previous years. 🎁🎄 #yqr pic.twitter.com/NQrEyT5cD9

— Jessie Anton (@jessieanton_) December 13, 2018

Across the warehouse, as Grade 8 student Kaylee Lavallee divided up books from crafts, the 13-year-old said she knows their small role sorting will somehow make a big difference in a child’s life.

“This really means a lot to them,” Lavallee said. “I can’t imagine not getting anything for Christmas, because I came from a blessed family and we get everything, every year.”

Similar feelings were echoed by Lavallee’s classmate, Lily Philip, who said the sort day reminded her to be thankful for what she gets under the tree.

“You shouldn’t be selfish or un-accepting of your gifts,” she said.

Evoking these warm sentiments during the Christmas season is why Grade 7/8 teacher Suzanne McMillan said she brings her students to 980 CJME’s Santas Anonymous in the first place.

“It’s to appreciate each and every day, and all the little gifts that come as part of it — whether they’re big or small — we just need to be thankful for what we have,” McMillan explained.

980 CJME’s Santas Anonymous Wrap Day starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday at the Regina Food Bank.