Wartburg College is continuing its tradition of providing Christmas gifts to low-income families, bringing smiles to more than 550 children in Bremer County.

Seventeen social work students will help carry out the 26^th annual Holiday Shoppe, Dec. 3-4, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waverly.

Started by the Bremer County office of the Iowa Department of Human Services in 1986, Holiday Shoppe later came under supervision of Wartburg’s social work department. The DHS assists students in selection of potential recipients.

Mycala Briggs ’13 of Manchester is one of the students coordinating donations from civic organizations and businesses.

“We send invitations to families based on their financial status. Some families don’t have money to spend on gifts and toys, so we help them to get Christmas they deserve,” Briggs said. “There is nothing more fulfilling than being part of such a wonderful event, knowing that you helped make someone’s Christmas.”

Professor Lynn Peters is the faculty supervisor.

“This year we are focused on getting more donations in toys and other gifts in addition to financial support. Each year we collect between $8,000 and $10,000 from local businesses and civic organizations. Churches make substantial gift contributions, too. Peters said. “We also got Waverly Shell Rock High School involved last year and again this year, which helped make Holiday Shoppe into a true community project.”

Students shop on the Friday before the event, purchasing age-appropriate gifts for children (infants through 18). A volunteer or student will guide parents through the church, assisting them in choosing presents.

The families are thankful for Holiday Shoppe, which in 2004 received the Iowa governor’s award for continuous commitment to serving families and supporting community. Feedback from parents included these comments:

• “You have made joy come to my children and home. Thank you so much.”
• “I am very grateful you have this or my children would not have much of a Christmas.”
• “Thank you so much for making holiday a little easier.”

Monetary donations can be sent to Holiday Shoppe, Wartburg College Social Work Department, 100 Wartburg Blvd., Waverly, IA 50677 (checks payable to Wartburg College). Toys may be donated by calling Lynn Peters at 319-352-8472, All donations are tax deductible.