BONNYVILLE – The Bonnyville Centralized High School (BCHS) gym was bustling with volunteers wrapping gifts for the Santa’s Elves program on Dec. 18.
Christmas music played and the wrapping paper was flying as teams of people socialized and wrapped piles of gifts to be sent out to 480 children.
Event organizer Kim Buchta, who is also a BCHS career councilor, said the program started in 1971 where used toys were repaired and given to children.
“It’s evolved to include new toys that are for underprivileged kids in the area – Bonnyville, Ardmore, Iron River, and Glendon. Other communities have their own toy drives. It’s all local,” said Buchta.
Buchta organized everything ahead of time to streamline the process when the volunteers flooded in.
“We opened it up to the community, and we had companies show up. With the cold weather and the snow, it was amazing how many people we’re able to come,” said Buchta.
Piles of sacks and red and white painted bins were stationed around the gym, reminiscent of Santa’s workshop with people laughing and wrapping gifts with gusto to get through the large pile of donations.
“Once you've done it once, you get kind of hooked, because it just gets you into the feels.”
Buchta says it is something of a mystery who started the Santa’s Elves program.
“This was my 15th or 16th year doing it, and I know people who have done it before that, but no one really knows who started it,” said Buchta.
Sports teams and companies gathered to volunteer with the wrapping. Grace MacLellan, team manager for the 14U girls volleyball team with the Rhinos, said volunteering has been a wonderful team building experience.
“It’s been a great opportunity for the team to get together and bond while learning about the importance of acts of service. It’s been really positive,” said MacLellan.
