Sertoma has organized the Christmas toy donation for more than 30 years. Throughout the year, Sertoma collects money, toys, books, hats and mittens for the event. Toys are given by Brown County individuals and organizations. One of the most consistent donors are the fifth- and sixth-graders on St. Anthony’s Elementary student council.

“Every year our school raises money for the kids who don’t get as many presents around Christmas,” St. Anthony sixth grader Abigail Schneider said. “With the money were raise we go shopping for items.”

Sixth grader Sollie Larson said this year they did the shopping the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. The idea is the fifth and sixth grade students known best which toys to buy for fellow kids.

Larson said this year they looked for Nerf toys, model cars, some Barbie dolls and at least one scooter.

St. Anthony’s student council talk about the fun they had selecting toys to be donated to Santa’s Closet, run by Sertoma Club. L to R: Madelyn Wurtzberger, Kylie Johson, Ava Pagliari, Ashley Wilson, Gavin Remus, Annalina Collins, Leo Beranek, Abigail Schneider, Emma Breu and Sollie Larson.

Fifth grader Ashley Wilson said they also shopped for clothes items.

Schneider said she was especially happy to find a pair of nice jeans on discount.

St. Anthony STEM teacher Nicole Owens and supervisor for the council said this was a budgeting exercise for the kids since they were limited on what they could spend based on the money raised. She said overall the students were good about finding the best deal.

The student council members agreed it was fun to shop for others.

Sertoma Club collected the donated items from St. Anthony Friday morning for the Santa’s Closet program. Brown County Human Services provides Sertoma with a list of children in need in the County. Parents of children on the list will be able to pick out items from those donated to make sure all kids have a merry Christmas.