By Deb Risden
The El Paso County Colorado School District 49 Transportation Department moved its entire operation this summer, but that isn’t stopping Santa and the D 49 elves from holding the annual Santa’s Toy Express.
The event, scheduled for Dec. 7, will host about 50 children, ages 4 to 8. This is the 23rd year of the event that began with giving each child a winter coat and toy. It has grown to a full morning of activities, including giving and receiving gifts.
Jack Pietrallo, director of transportation, said, “The premise of the program — creating a special day for students that have had some special circumstances happen in their lives throughout the year — has not changed.”
Shauna Orth, transportation operations manager, said the day starts with breakfast and continues to include a visit from Santa, a puppet show, ornament making, face painting and shopping. “We provide gift cards and take the children to Walmart to buy presents for their siblings,” Orth said.
The new location has provided more space for all the activities but has not changed the number of children the department can host, she said. “The numbers are dependent on the number of volunteers we have,” Orth said. “Last year, we had 54 children. If I can’t get the adult volunteers, unfortunately, I can’t take on more kids. We have to ensure we have trusted adult sponsors, and they are properly vetted.” Orth said some of the volunteers are D 49 employees, some are from Schriever Air Force Base, some are contractors and others are community members. “This year has been a struggle to find volunteers to fill the need,” Orth said.
Funds also limit the number of children the event can host. Orth said the transportation department holds fundraisers in the district throughout the year and local businesses donate money and goods. Donations pay for Walmart gift cards, and each child receives a new winter coat and gloves, a backpack with school supplies, a couple of toys and a stocking with goodies. Orth said two ladies in the community have been donating hand-sewn fleece blankets for many years.
She said they appreciate donations from businesses and private community members. If someone would like to donate new items, email shauna.orth@d49.org or call 719-494-8975 to find out what is needed. Monetary donations can be made out to D 49 with a note in the memo line indicating the funds are for Santa’s Toy Express, and mailed to D 49 Transportation Department, 11971 Swingline Road, Peyton, CO 80831, Attn: Shauna Orth.
