Coming soon...the Santa House, organized by the Arvada-Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth, an affiliation of all the Arvada and Wheat Ridge service clubs and Red Rocks Community College. Last year the Santa House made the holidays happier for more than 3,000 local children.

Here's how it works: Local parents in need, whose children attend Swanson, Lawrence, Russell, Allendale, Secrest, Fitzmorris, Foster, Thomson, Fremont, Parr and Pennington Elementary Schools and Arvada Middle School, are referred to the Santa House by the schools. These parents would otherwise be unable to afford gifts, and at the Santa House they can select donated gifts for their elementary and middle school children and siblings.

To take part, just buy new toys and clothes for the Santa House and bring them unwrapped to the collection boxes at the Apex Center, 13150 W. 72nd Ave., Garrison Street Sports Center,, 9101 Ralston Road, the Community Recreation Center, 6842 Wadsworth Boulevard, the Racquetball and Fitness Center, 12120 W.64th Ave., and Meyers Pool, 7900 Carr Drive. A detailed gift list is available in all Apex PRD facilities. The Santa House also accepts cash donations; checks should be made out to AWRSAY.

Faith Gregor is Marketing Director for Apex Park and Recreation District.