“Christmas, my child, is love in action.” – Dale Evans

Children in our community are warmly embraced and cared for through the generous spirit of those who live here. Many programs exist so that kids and families don’t have to go without at any time throughout the year, but especially during the holidays.

One annual community project seeks to shift the focus and help teach children the spirit of giving. The Elf Shop gives participating children the opportunity to shop for their family members. The kids browse and pick out gifts for his or her family members. The gifts are then wrapped and labeled by our “elves” right in the “shop.” The only thing it costs the children is the time they spend to select that special something for that special someone. The children get the joy of placing these items under their Christmas tree and feel the impact of giving when their family opens these specially selected gifts come Christmas.

All of the items in Elf Shop are donated through businesses, organizations, and individuals in the community.You can donate items items for the whole family to stock Elf Shop between Nov. 5 and Dec. 5, 2014. Drop off new, unwrapped items at KCWY-News 13 in Mills or at the Boys & Girls Club on East K Street in Casper. Toys are always welcome, but don’t forget about the rest of the family, like teenage siblings and moms and dads. You can also donate gift tags, tape, and gift bags. You can download an Elf Shop 2014 Shopping List for some ideas.

Elf Shop will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 at the Main Branch of the Boys & Girls Club in North Casper. Children are invited or identified through local partner agencies.

Elf Shop is coordinated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming in partnership with the Natrona County Prevention Coalition and sponsored by KCWY-News 13.

For more information, contact Shauna VanderLinden at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming, (307) 235-4079.