Santa and his helpers wave goodbye to their young friends after handing out treat bags at Jack Kemp Community School on Dec. 14. Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Meridian Source
Santa and his elves were busy last week, bringing joy to hearts and treats to tiny hands.
They visited every elementary school in Lloydminster for the 40th Lloydminster Kiwanis Santa Project.
“Every child from pre-K to Grade 2 will receive a bag with a toy and chocolates and a candy cane, a Christmas orange, chips, cheezies and some candy,” said Vera Gallant, Lloydminster Kiwanis Club secretary and Santa’s right-hand elf.
“For some children, that is the only gift that they will receive, so that is why we so passionately support the project—to make the best of Christmas for every little child.”
Something that always stands out in Gallant’s mind is something that was said by a child a few years ago.
“A little girl was sitting on Santa’s knee and he asked her what she wanted for Christmas and she asked for groceries. So we picked up on that, followed through and that family had one of the best Christmases they said they’d ever had,” said Gallant.
“We bought them tons of groceries, we bought them presents for the whole family. And we’ve done several of those throughout the years. It brings me to tears when families are struggling like that.”
She said they’ve also heard similar stories, where young children say something that really tugs on the heartstrings.
“Other kids have told Santa, ‘we don’t want anything, but can you bring my little sister or brother something?’ So that’s what keeps us going,” said Gallant.
“I love the smiles and the hugs that we receive, and just knowing that we do change lives … which is our focus.”
Gallant recalls the project got started 40 years ago when some families who were struggling came to the Lloyd Kiwanis Club looking for a hand, and the tradition continues to this day.
“If we can continue doing what we’re doing, 40 years ago I think it was 12 families that we gave the bags to. Now we’re doing 2,000 bags,” said Gallant, adding they used to pass out the treat bags to Grade 3 students as well, but the numbers were getting too high to sustain.
Gallant says the support of the community means a lot to the club.
“Safeway helps us out, Superstore helps us out. Once again, if it wasn’t for community support we would be struggling—so thank you Lloydminster.”
Another way to support the Santa Project and other initiatives is to become a Kiwanis member. They are always looking for like-minded individuals to join the club. If you are interested, check them out on Facebook or call Gallant at 780-871-1298.
