Steele County Kids Invited to Shop with Santa to Benefit 4-H

Steele County children in sixth grade and younger can fill their Christmas shopping lists Saturday, December 3, during the annual Shop with Santa at St. John Lutheran Church.

The annual event allows children the chance to shop for their friends and family on their own. 4-H members will assist the shoppers. Items are made by 4-H members and are priced at $5 or less, with many at just a dollar or two.

Gifts include aprons, wall hangings, wooden puzzles, squirrel feeders and craft items among others. Chairperson Sandy Jirele says many 4-H students use Pinterest to find clever, unique ideas of items to make. Jirele suggests allowing for about an hour to attend Shop with Santa. This will give the young shoppers enough time to create their list, do their shopping and get their gifts wrapped before leaving.

The doors at St. John Lutheran Church, 1301 Lincoln Ave. S., Owatonna, will open at 7AM Saturday for numbered bag distribution. The shopping starts at 8AM and finishes at noon. Jirele says new items are set out throughout the event so the selection is as good at the end as it is at the start.

Parents can enjoy treats and coffee at Mrs. Claus' Coffee Shop while they wait. Activities and holiday movies will be available to keep other siblings entertained. Jirele hints that an appearance by Santa is possible as well.

Money raised benefits the Steele County 4-H program. Jirele will be the guest on the KRFO Talk of the Town program on Wednesday at about 9:40AM.