Before she was old enough to tie her own shoes, Anna Freymeyer remembers shopping for Christmas gifts for needy children in Aiken.
The 15-year-old has taken part in South Aiken Presbyterian Church's Secret Santa program for 11 years and still gets a thrill out of the toy shopping
"I could relate then because a lot of those toys were ones I wanted," she said. "Now the big item is the Hannah Montana dolls. I still really enjoy doing it, and seeing all the kids happy before Christmas."
Anna and about 20 other volunteers were shopping at Aiken's Target on Friday night for the program started by Mary and Frank Cunningham 23 years ago. More than 920 children are on the list to receive toys from the Secret Santa list, but about 250 sponsors are still needed to provide funds and toys, Mrs. Cunningham said. Donations are needed before the gifts are handed out at South Aiken Presbyterian on Dec. 16.
"This year we have to serve more families because people are unemployed and underemployed. I think that's why we still need sponsors."
Mrs. Cunningham gathers the names of children from low-income families from social-service organizations throughout the county and determines the top three gifts on their lists. Sponsors will either donate toys or funds to purchase for up to $30. About 200 volunteers help with shopping, wrapping and tagging of the toys, Mrs. Cunningham said.
Susan Glenn said the hours spent at Target on Friday night will be worth it once she sees the response from the children and parents.
"It's the day when we give out the toys, and the kids are looking around at the sanctuary full of wrapped gifts," she said. "The truth is this will be the only things some of these kids get for Christmas."
Mrs. Cunningham said she is confident the community will help make hundreds of children's Christmas wishes come true despite the slow pace of giving this year.
"The kids don't have to know where the gifts are coming from, but they will come," she said. "We just want them to know that somebody does care about them this Christmas."
Reach Stephanie Toone at (803) 648-1395 ext. 110, or stephanie.toone@augustachronicle.com.
WANT TO HELP?
To donate funds or toys, visit South Aiken Presbyterian Church, 1711 Whiskey Road, before Dec. 16. For more information, call the Secret Santa line (803) 649-7052 or visit www.southaiken.org.
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