980 CJME begins 51st Santas Anonymous campaign

980 CJME launched its 51st annual Santas Anonymous campaign Thursday to ensure every child has a gift for the holidays.

The public is being encouraged to buy a new, unwrapped toy and place it in one of many donation bins in the city. Their locations can be found here. Monetary donations will also be accepted.

About 1,500 families rely on the annual toy drive.

Regina resident Janine Desjarlais was among them once.

“We’re a family of eight so Christmas is a little bit harder for us (because of) the budget with having six kids and living on the limited income,” she told the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Thursday morning.

Desjarlais said Santas Anonymous was a difference-maker for her kids.

“They were ecstatic because we might not have had Christmas that year … because we were on such a limited income,” she said.

“So (the children) were very surprised. We got more than we could have ever imagined. You made our Christmas.”

Toys are collected for children in three age categories.

For those two years old and under, some suggested donations include plush toys, bath toys and blocks.

Gifts for children between three and eight years old could include Lego, dolls, easy-to-read books and clothes for playing dress-up.

Recommended presents for children aged nine to 12 could include Lego, board games, craft kits, science kits or sports equipment.

While parents who might have fallen on hard times may hesitate to seek help, Desjarlais said there’s no reason to fear doing so.

“They were really welcoming and very friendly,” she said. “It felt like a very judgment-free area.”

Desjarlais said, it’s worth it.

“Your kids will have a great Christmas. You’ll have a great Christmas …,” she said. “We’ll end the year, this crazy year of COVID, with still having a good Christmas. Just go on and apply.”