Community Christian Church

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Gift Mart Lends Santa A Hand

Donated Presents are sold for a song at Brady School

Published December 11, 2005 - The Beacon News

By: Linda Girardi

AURORA — All kinds of Christmas presents, from action toys to baby dolls, will be found under the tree this year, thanks to the kind generosity of some of Santa's helpers. Brady Elementary School once again partnered with Community Christian Church for its annual Christmas Gift Mart held on Saturday, as a way to help hundreds of families hoping to bring smiles to their children's faces this season. The congregation donated approximately 2,500 toys — enough to fill the hallways of two floors.

"I feel blessed to be here," church volunteer Tabitha Vieweg said. Volunteers numbering 250, some of them wearing Santa hats, were assigned to various work stations, some to assist parents in selecting gifts for their children and carry the packages to their cars. The school's staff were also there, helping to wrap the toys and top with a ribbon and name tag. In the school's lower levels, youngsters were entertained with music, arts and crafts, and dancing. Organizers said the yuletide Gift Mart is a way for the church and school to unite two communities, where everyone feels the gift of kindness. "We're appreciative they let us into their school community," said Kirsten Strand, who leads the Naperville-based church's outreach programs.

The Gift Mart gives parents a unique opportunity to buy quality children's toys, and some of the season's favorites, for only $1 or $2 — markedly lower than retail prices. "It's a joy to see the smiles when they buy a gift for their children. This is a way for us to help. The parents work hard for their families," said Nance Manderson, who was assigned to gift wrapping. Brady Principal Francisco de los Santos said this is one of several functions held throughout the year that builds community. "For families just getting started it is very difficult for them to buy gifts," he said. "Some parents with kids would have gone without presents under the tree this year. You can see in the eyes of parents of children how appreciative they are."

An estimated 500 to 600 families purchased gifts for their children this year. At times, volunteers began singing seasonal carols as they wrapped the gifts. Yolanda Cuacida placed her one-month-old son under the watchful eye of church volunteer Helen Maruna while she shopped for toys. "I am very grateful" Cuacida said. "I was able to buy gifts for my two girls and baby, too." The volunteers also were happy. "It's so much fun to help the parents shop — it melts your heart," Maruna said.