SASKATOON – Mr. and Mrs. Claus made an appearance at an inner-city Saskatoon school Monday, bringing gifts students wanted, but also needed. In addition to cars and dolls, kids at St. Michael Community School received items like toothbrushes, soap and winter clothing.
“What we might think of as the simplest of items can be just a glorious gift that they receive and they are so appreciative of it,” said principal Mike Thorson.
St. Michael is one of five schools benefiting from TLC@Home (Touching Lives of Children @ Home) this holiday season.
Volunteers from the Hairstyle Inn, Cameco, 96.3 Cruz FM and Global Saskatoon have collected and donated gifts for children who might not be lucky enough to receive Christmas gifts.
“For some children, it brings maybe the only happiness … and the only gift they’re going to receive at Christmas,” said Santa Claus in an interview. “So there’s a little sadness, but yet there’s happiness because we bring a bit of joy into their lives.”
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Seated next to a Christmas tree with Mrs. Claus by his side, Santa met with students from pre-kindergarten and up. Each one of them received a white box marked with their name, decorated with a ribbon.
Now in its tenth year, TLC@Home has brought gifts to more than 900 Saskatoon students.
“There was a little boy at one event that opened a box and the first thing he grabbed was the toothpaste and the toothbrush. He was so excited – he said, ‘I can get rid of my cavities now,” Santa said.
While kids do get the essentials, the big man in red stressed the importance of giving something fun.
“You have to remember the toys,” Santa said.
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