ICS first grader Sophia Chilton stands with just a few of the hundreds of toys given away during Project Elf. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – Once again, Immaculate Conception School (ICS) students became Santa’s elves while they waited for Santa to visit them this holiday season. On Dec. 13, the school hosted the 4th annual Project Elf, a toy giveaway that provided free toys to kids in need. But these weren’t just any toys. They were well-loved but like-new toys that came from the kids’ homes. Each year, the students donate their own toys to Project Elf to make room in their bedrooms – and in their hearts – for the toys they will receive on Christmas.

To teach students the virtue that it is better to give than to receive, the school encourages students to donate like-new toys that they no longer play with so that another child can enjoy them. Project Elf has been very popular, impacting dozens of families each year. On Dec. 13, the school donated toys to 140 children, making this the biggest year so far.

Immaculate Conception Parish and School Communications Director, Jen Roberts, carries two bikes to a family’s car during Project Elf. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“One family had eight grandchildren they were picking out toys for,” said ICS first grade teacher, Peggy Crawford, who created Project Elf four years ago. “There was one woman here at six this morning when we got here. It’s nice to know the toys will go to families who need them.”

ICS Principal Margaret Drew said the kids “fill up the gym every year with toys.”

“We had five bikes, four kitchens, and the action figures were overflowing on the floor this year,” she said. “We had 12 eight-foot tables filled. The kids just love to give it away.”

Among those kids was ICS first grader Sophia Chilton, who donated several toys, including a doll house, dolls, and Barbies. She also helped during the toy giveaway. Why did she give so much of her time and toys?

“I like helping,” she said.

Project Elf was started four years ago by ICS first grade teacher, Peggy Crawford. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Crawford said that this year, the school requested donations from outside of the school as well, making Project Elf a truly community endeavor. Because of the generosity of the students and community, the school was able to give away more toys, as well as gift cards “to help a little with the holiday,” Drew said.

There were no requirements for families to participate in Project Elf.

“We just open the doors,” Crawford said.

Ottawa County Holiday Bureau was also on site, distributing food vouchers to families who had preregistered and qualified. Among the Holiday Bureau volunteers were Chair Bonnie Kaspar, Application Coordinator Dianne Witter, and Treasurer Jenny Castillo. The Holiday Bureau collaborates with the Salvation Army of Ottawa County and Bassett’s Market to help families with food over the holidays.

ICS students organize their toy donations on Dec. 12 in preparation for Project Elf. (Submitted photo)

Ottawa County Holiday Bureau was started in 1962 by a group of women, including Dianne’s mother-in-law, Catherine Witter. It has helped local families every year since then. On Dec. 13, 203 food vouchers were distributed at ICS.

“This was started by a group of ladies that are all now deceased,” Dianne said. “We’re just carrying on their tradition.”

Between Project Elf and the Holiday Bureau, ICS is helping local families have a merry Christmas this year.

“It just makes me happy knowing we’ve helped so many families,” Crawford said. “We’re taking stress off people in the holiday season.”

An ICS student carries puzzles to a table for Project Elf. (Submitted photo)