Although it’s not Thanksgiving yet, some volunteers from Santas Anonymous were busy Sunday in Westville getting prepared for Christmas. Debbie Serpinas, who describes herself as one of the top elves, says they are helping hundreds of children….
{‘’All of this is centered around COVID this year – depending on what we’re able to do. But right now we’re going ahead and trying to mask and social distance, and all of that,’’ said Serpinas.}
[Debbie Serpinas shows her love for Santa as she works with other volunteers in Westville Sunday.]
On Sunday volunteers were sorting toys at the Westville American Legion. A final sort will be held next month before deliveries are made to families in need. But because of concerns over COVID-19, those deliveries will be a little different this year….
{‘’We were not going to do Santas, and then we all kind of collectively decided to go ahead and have Santa to be outside and wave to the kids. And then we’re going to deliver on people’s porches. And that way you won’t have any contact.’’}
In addition to the toys, Westville’s Santas Anonymous program also helps provide hats, mittens and scarves for children in need.
This is the 44th year of the program, and Serpinas was asked how they have managed to keep it going….
{‘’A lot of community involvement – community help. Westville’s has just been so good to us through this program throughout the years. They’ve been great,’’ added Serpinas during Sunday’s toy sort.}
It’s not too late to donate, but Serpinas says the number of locations where you can place new or gently used toys in barrels is down this year because of COVID. For example, school buildings are closed and have instead shifted to online learning. But Serpinas added the schools are a major supporter of the program, including supplying information for families that may need a little help at Christmas time.
