By SANTA’S WORKSHOP VOLUNTEERS
Santa’s Workshop volunteers come together for about one month every year to work to provide toys, books, groceries, clothes and other supplies to on average 60 needy families and 120 children every Christmas.
It has been in operation for almost 40 years. First, repairing toys out of one man’s garage, now it has grown to the distribution of items specially chosen by parents from the basement of the Baptist Church. It has been supported by many organizations, businesses and individuals over the years. Currently this includes the Toy Run (motorcycle group), the Salt Spring Island Women’s Institute, the Salt Spring Cruisers classic car group, Salt Spring Island Fire Fighters Association, Country Grocer and other businesses who donate in-kind gift certificates. Many individuals have donated cash and toys over the years. Now the future of the workshop may be in jeopardy.
The current coordinator of the group, Wendy Eggertson, who has been involved for over 10 years, is unable to continue past this year. She will be leading Santa’s Workshop for one final year. She has a very good and dedicated group of volunteers — just no one to lead the group. The actual workshop takes place Nov. 24 to Dec. 14. The first two weeks are spent collecting the items and setting up the Baptist Church basement in preparation for the distribution, which takes place the last week. Parents/guardians come in and “shop” for their children, choosing those items that are appropriate for their children and their living situation.
Santa’s Workshop therefore requires an individual or group that is prepared to coordinate the effort. It is limited in time frame every year. The coordinator’s preparations start Nov. 1 and end mid-December. The volunteer coordinator position includes organizing volunteers and their times to work, receiving and disbursing funds, working with another core volunteer, who receives and collects all the applications, providing oversight at the church regarding preparation of the shop space (in past this has been Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 noon) and disbursement of the gifts (Monday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
This Individual or group would work with Wendy hand in hand this year to understand the scope of work required. It is a very rewarding volunteer position with a limited time frame, and flexibility to develop the program as appropriate.
“The appreciation and relief shown by the parents fills my heart,” says Wendy. “Being able to accomplish the workshop over the years has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my life. This volunteer position only requires organization and communication skills, and the desire to help one’s community.”
We are always looking for other volunteers to help with moving items to and from our preparation space at the Baptist Church, helping to set up the space in preparation for shopping, helping parents choose the gifts for their children, picking up and organizing gift certificates, distributing and picking up gift collection boxes from merchants, and drivers to provide transportation to recipients.
Santa’s Workshop also requires a 10×10-foot dry space in which toys can be stored from one year to the next. Our group of volunteers would pick up these items mid- November and replace them with new items mid-December every year.
If you or your group is interested in the Santa’s Workshop volunteer coordinator position, other volunteer positions, or have a space in which to store the toys, please contact Wendy Eggertson at 250-221-2381. Come out and meet our group at a potluck hosted by Wendy on Sunday, Nov. 17.