On Dec. 1, El Paso County Colorado School District 49 held its 17th annual Santaís Toy Express event at the D 49 bus barn. This year, teachers, counselors and administrators nominated 51 students throughout the district with special circumstances to participate in Santaís Toy Express.The students enjoyed a hot breakfast prepared by D 49 staff before loading onto district buses and heading out to purchase gifts at the Falcon Walmart for their families. A volunteer from several organizations accompanied each student, including student volunteers from Falcon High School and service members from Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado Springs.After shopping, the students returned to the D 49 bus barn and wrapped the gifts they purchased. The students also made Christmas ornaments, had their faces painted and visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus.RJ Berry, Santaís Toy Express coordinator and D 49 special needs bus driver, said each student also received $35 worth of presents for themselves, as well as backpacks filled with supplies, hats, coats and blankets made by the Falcon Education Foundation. Berry said it was a ìcrazy, successful event.î
