Christmas came early for a group of Falcon School District 49 students, as Santaís Toy Express rolled in for its 11th year on Dec. 8.D 49 bus driver R.J. Berry initiated the event to ensure that every child on his bus route had a warm coat for the winter. This year, 50 students participated. Teachers nominate students, based on their circumstances, from preschool to second grade.Volunteers for the event included students from the Falcon High School Reserve Officersí Training Corps, personnel from Schriever Air Force Base, bus drivers and paraprofessionals from D 49, along with students from the Patriot Learning Center, Berry said.Santaís Toy Express began with the D 49 bus drivers picking each student up from his or her home for breakfast with Santa Claus and the volunteers at the districtís transportation department. Following breakfast, district staff and other volunteers took each child on a shopping trip to Walmart; the children received cash so they could buy presents for their families. After shopping, volunteers and students returned to the transportation department to wrap their purchases, make crafts to take home and enjoy snacks.After talking with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the students received a stocking full of goodies, a new coat, gloves, a hat and a couple of presents chosen by members of the transportation department.ìThere was a Christmas tree with each studentís age, name and what kind of toys they like,î said Jack Pietraallo, transportation manager. ìPeople in the department picked a name from the tree and bought presents for that kid. The tree was completely empty by the second day it was up.îBerry said the event was completely funded through donations. He said thanks go to the following: Walmart of Falcon; the Falcon Lions Club; Farmers State Bank; The State Bank and the Falcon High School ROTC.Other funds to cover the total cost of about $6,000 were raised through individual donations and potlucks that Berry organized throughout the year. The fundraisers included a Mexican fiesta, a chili cook-off and a soup-and-bread event, Berry said.ìWeíre doing this for our own community,î he said. ìThese are our kids.î
