Since 1958, a group of community volunteers who believe in Santa
Claus have made Christmas gifts possible for kids 12 and under who
might not otherwise receive anything during the holidays.
During a couple of “shopping days,“ ( Dec. 9 and 10 this year)
toys are given to low-income parents/guardians of children up to 12
years old in the Littleton, Englewood and Sheridan School
Districts, who have been referred by a school, church, social
worker, service organization. The Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop is at
the Arapahoe County Multipurpose building at 5814 S. Datura St.,
Littleton.
Before those dates, volunteers will collect, repair and clean
toys, shop with donated cash and organize the shop.
In 2009, 909 families with 2,414 children received gifts.
This all-volunteer organization, the Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop,
will collect gently used and new toys Nov. 15 to Dec. 7 at a number
of local locations. Included in longtime collection sites is
Broadway Estates Conoco, 6450 S. Broadway, Littleton, where Paul
Rush says “They need all the help they can get,” and he’s glad to
be able to help.
Following Shirley Nixon’s visit to the Historic Downtown
Littleton Merchants’ October meeting, 11 new downtown drop-off
sites, including Romancing the Bean, Town Hall Arts Center,
Colorado Frame and Neighborhood Bookstore were added to Bradford
Auto Body and a long list of Littleton and Englewood collection
spots, which includes Littleton Fire Rescue Stations 11,12,13,14,
15, 16, 17, 18 (some are in Douglas and Jefferson Counties),
Acoustic Music Revival, Wagner’s and more in Englewood. Visit
www.arapahoesantashop.org
for a full list drop off spots and other information.
Individuals wishing to volunteer can drop by the Datura street
site Dec. 3-11 for an intense, yet satisfying experience. Groups
wishing to volunteer should contact Nancy Jackson, nlnjackson@comcast.net for
scheduling. Jackson may also be contacted for information on
volunteering. This is a good opportunity for high school students
who seek volunteer hours.
Readers who have items that need to be picked up or have
questions may call 303-798-5721— or visit that website. Donations
may be mailed to Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop, P. O. Box 2004,
Littleton, CO 80161-2004.
