Gift-Giving Brings Cheer To Recipients, Volunteers
The line of people waiting to pick up Christmas gifts for their families Thursday stretched out the door of the gymnasium at Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Inside, a small army of volunteers rushed to help needy parents choose a household items, a gift for their child, a stocking stuffer and a stuffed toy.
Many of the volunteers were from area schools and youth groups. East Valley, Freeman and University high schools were all represented, as were North Pines and Greenacres junior highs.
St. Paschal’s Catholic Church and Redeemer Lutheran also had youth group members lending a hand, along with the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.
“This is fun,” said Doug Matteson, an East Valley High School junior.
Matteson skipped a wrestling tournament in Coeur d’Alene to hand out the gifts.
“This is a lot more important,” Matteson said.
His arms were loaded with board games, a basketball, towels, personal items and a pot holder, but his face was wearing a grin.
“I enjoy seeing smiles on people’s faces when I help them,” Matteson said.
Allison Allbaugh agreed. The EV High junior has been so busy collecting gifts for needy families she has had little time to shop for her own family.
But she said she will not mind scrambling at the last minute to finish her Christmas shopping.
“I like volunteering and giving my time to other people,” Allbaugh said.
Barbara Olson, executive director for the Valley Center of Sharing, which sponsors the annual gift drive, appreciated the students’ help. She said the students’ contributions have helped make this year’s drive one of the most successful.
High school officials said several students have been active with various community service projects throughout the year, but even they were surprised by Thursday’s turnout.
“It’s fun because I looked up and saw some of my kids (helping) who weren’t even signed up,” said Lynn Lauer, EV High student community services coordinator.
Students from the school’s SOCS Student Oriented Community Service - program collected and donated about $1,200 worth of gifts for teenagers. Overall, the Valley Center collected about $3,500 in cash donations and filled a moving truck twice with gifts.
“This is my Christmas,” said Shirley Olson, an EV High career guidance counselor as she watched the volunteers. “This is all I want for Christmas.”
As the afternoon moved along, Christmas shoppers kept coming. Volunteers hustled to keep up.
Matteson unloaded a bundle of gifts for another volunteer to put in bags and turned to look at the line.
“Next,” he said, still wearing the grin.
, DataTimes