Santa’s Workshop set for Dec. 8 in Ladd
SPRING VALLEY — Project Success’s Santa’s Workshop will be from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 8 at Ladd Grade School. Toy boxes are out and collection will end Dec. 3.
For more than 15 years, Project Success has helped to make the holidays brighter for local, financially disadvantaged families. With the generous support of the community, hundreds of new toys, books and coats are collected and beautifully displayed for a magical one-day shopping spree at Ladd Grade School Gymnasium. Parents and guardians of needy children are invited to select the perfect gifts for their families.
There are numerous toy drives during the holiday season. Santa’s Workshop is distinguished by two unique features. First, the festivities are designed for the parents and guardians of the children, rather than the children themselves.
Project Success promotes the ability of the families to select gifts based on their knowledge of their children’s interests and talents. The joy this provides the parents is immeasurable and makes gift giving more meaningful.
Second, Santa’s Workshop provides the entire community the opportunity to come together in a single project of sharing. Though times may be tough, giving in our area is remarkably high.
Each year, hundreds of children across the Illinois Valley area go to bed on Christmas Eve not knowing if there will be any toys under the family Christmas tree in the morning.
Thanks to the generosity of several local businesses, hospitals, civic, social and service organizations and lots of very caring individuals, many of these children awake overjoyed when they find gifts with their names on them underneath the tree.
“Our goals are firstly to take stress off the parents, and secondly, to take stress off their children,” Project Success Director Jan Martin said. “The gifts the children receive make them feel special.”
Families that qualify for food stamps, who have children 16 years of age or under, who reside in the giving area, and who are in need of help can register at Hall Township Food Pantry, 500 N. Terry St. in Spring Valley. Project Success serves residents of Arlington, Bureau, Cherry, Dalzell, DePue, Hollowayville, Ladd, Seatonville and Spring Valley. The last day to sign up to receive gifts is Friday.
To donate new toys, books or winter coats look for the large white containers with a bright red stripe and drop off your donation. Immaculate Conception Church has a large toy collection box. You can drop new coats or jackets at St. Anthony’s Parish or you can take toy/coat donations to local banks or hospitals. Of course, Project Success always accepts donations. Those unable to shop can send a monetary donation and gifts will be purchased in your name.
For more information, call Project Success at 815-663-2085.
