SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — For its second year, the St. Francis House transformed into a ‘toy store’ Monday morning. It was about making sure every child would have a Christmas gift to open.
“Many times, people have missed the other events such as Sioux Falls Cares or the other programs to be adopted in our community,” St. Francis House CEO Julie Becker said. “We open this up through social media and people can come in and pick out a gift for each of their children.”
Families didn’t need to register ahead of time and the gifts were free. It was a simple desire to help others.
“It came on a whim because of a post I saw on social media about a grandmother who had been really sick and missed all the opportunities and did not have anything for the children she was caring for,” Becker said. “The thing we want is children to be able to have a gift to open on Christmas.”
For some families, the gesture was a beacon of hope during a difficult time. Jasmine Allen is a mother and an aunt, heading into this Christmas without a loved one.
“This is going to be our first year without somebody special to us,” Allen said. “I think this is a great idea for just anybody— anybody grieving, anyone that’s having a hard time, anyone that can’t afford anything. This is the best thing that can happen for the community.”
Volunteers were eager to help, too.
“In my college days, I had to use the Salvation Army, you know, for gifts for my kids. Now, that’s kind of like full circle now. It’s like, I can do this. So, we got together and made little gift bags and this is awesome,” volunteer Mary Conzemius said.
