Article Contributed on: 11/21/2008 2:28:46 PM
When Littleton resident
Leslie Street started volunteering with the Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop in 2001, she took her 7-year-old daughter with her to the warehouse where the nonprofit stores toys, games, books and bicycles during the year. Most are gently used items that have been donated.
During the holidays the goods go on display in early December at the Arapahoe County Multipurpose Building , 5814 S. Datura St., Littleton, when the building is transformed into a festive gift shop for needy families.
"I thought it would be good to show her the Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop. She started ooohing and ahhing and said, 'I want that,'" until I explained that these were presents for other children," Street said.
Street is still involved and helps other volunteers clean up games in good condition so they can be given away.
"This is a group of less than 20 people who work year round on the Santa Shop. It served an average of 2,000 children over the past few years and is truly a grass roots organization that celebrates even a $10 donation."
The ASCS collects used and new toys, games, books and bicycles during the year in order to give them away to needy families so children under age 12 will have presents during the holidays. Parents are referred to the group by local schools in Littleton, Sheridan and Englewood.
The organization has been in existence since 1958 and will celebrate its 50th anniversary Dec. 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Littleton United Methodist Church.
"We're inviting anyone who has been involved in any way, either as a family who has benefited or volunteers. People are welcome to bring photos or memories to share," Street said.
Street said a $10,000 budget comes from donations and fundraisers and is used to pay for storage, mailings and purchase new toys. There is no paid staff.
"Usually around 800 to 900 families are referred. The schools put together a list of families. Our referral guy sends postcards to the families and they bring that postcard to the Santa Shop. The card indicates 100 points per child, which is used to purchase items. No money exchanges hands," Street said.
Street said the bikes are always a big draw. Part of that is due to the hundreds of hours a year
Steve Busey spends to repair and rejuvenate donated bikes.
"Bikes regularly show up on my doorstep. I don't know where they come from," Busey said.
Busey has a small downstairs space in his home where works on bikes when his home inspection business is slow.
With a portable stand, and tires hanging on the walls, he refits, adds tires and new grips, paints and buffs until they look like new. There are bikes on the porch, in his daughter's playhouse and leaning on the side of the house.
Busey said, "If I get a three-speed Raleigh adult bike I'll strip it and use it for parts."
Busey said working with Littleton Cyclery has made a big difference, because he gives them a wish list and they provide supplies or parts at a discount.
Busey said they usually have at least 50 bikes ready to give away.
He said, keeping the bikes 'cool' is important.
"I try to maintain a certain amount of coolness so the kids will like the bikes."
Busey said when he was a boy growing up in South Denver, he and his friends were always on their bikes. "It was a symbol of our freedom," he said.
more info
What: 50th anniversary Arapahoe Santa Shop celebration
When: Dec. 7 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Littleton United Methodist Church, , 5814 S. Datura St., Littleton
For more information, call Lora Drose, 303-730-9843.
how to help
Monetary donations can be mailed to Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop, P.O. Box 2004, Littleton, CO 80161. Donated toys can be dropped off at the following locations:
Littleton Fire Stations
Broadway Estates Conoco - 6450 S. Broadway
Bradford Auto Body - 2659 W. Main St. in Downtown Littleton
Donations may also be made at the Arapahoe Santa Shop itself
December 1-9, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., located in the Arapahoe County Multipurpose Bldg. 5814 S. Datura Street in Littleton