49th annual Santas Anonymous sees toys wrapped for over 1,400 kids

Those volunteering at 980 CJME’s 49th annual Santas Anonymous wrap day on Saturday left with hearts a size larger than when they arrived.

More than 200 volunteers lined the Regina and District Food Bank’s entrance, its upstairs and its loading docks to help wrap toys for more than 1,400 children in need this holiday season.

For the last five years, Tegan McIntosh has participated in wrap day with her mom and best friend. However, this time around, neither could make it, so she came with her best friend’s mom, Pam Rissling, instead.

“It is definitely the highlight of my Christmas season — it probably beats Christmas morning,” McIntosh said with a smile.

“It feels like you’re in Santa’s workshop with a bunch of elves, and we’re all just trying to get everything done in time so everyone can wake up happy.”

For Rissling, who has volunteered for half a decade, it’s knowing that each wrapped toy shows a child they matter.

“I love coming and picking the presents and thinking, ‘Are they going to like this?’ Then we put it all together. It’s fun, and it’s a great way to give back,” she explained.

“I feel very honoured and blessed that I get to be a part of this.”

The @ReginaFoodBank is bustling with volunteers wrapping the thousands of toys donated to @CJMENews Santas Anonymous. #yqr pic.twitter.com/qhAsYi9ju8

— Jessie Anton (@jessieanton_) December 15, 2018

Though, for many, the true meaning of Christmas goes far beyond gifts, Val Wicks with the Salvation Army said — for those who can’t afford them, it means something more profound.

“That’s dignity,” she said. “The neighbour has presents, the kids at school have presents, and now these kids have presents — it’s just all dignity.”

Looking on at the busy wrapping stations, Wicks said it warms her heart to see everyone from families with newborn babies to the elderly pitching in.

“It shows that this is generational — giving back is generational,” she said. “The kids are learning early about giving back, and giving back to the community to build a stronger community.”

This year, Wicks estimates between 1,200 to 1,500 families in need will have gifts under their trees — all thanks to the toy donations from 980 CJME’s Santas Anonymous campaign.