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Those are the most popular items recipients of Saint Mary’s University’s Gifts for Winona program are asking for.
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Katrina Volkert, owner of Scrapper’s Haven, hangs a card on the store’s christmas tree Tuesday in Winona. Each card has a name and a christmas gift on it and will be hanging on trees around Winona as part of Saint Mary’s University’s seventh annual Gifts for Winona program. (photo by Katie Derus/Winona Daily News) |
More than 1,600 people have already signed up for gifts, setting a new record for the program now in its seventh year.
“This year we knew because of the economy it would be higher, but for it to be that high this early is really a worry,” SMU director of communications Deb Nahrgang said.
People ask for practical items such as boots each year, but this year they’re seeing very few requests for things such as toys. Other items on people’s lists include blankets, towels, candles, rugs and sneakers. Nahrgang said the lack of toys and other non-necessities shows how much people are struggling this year. On one 16-year-old boy’s wish list — jeans, winter boots and slippers.
The deadline to sign up to receive a gift through the program was Nov. 14, but Nahrgang said they try not to turn anyone away. So far, Gifts for Winona has helped distribute more than 8,700 gifts since it started in 2002. This year, they hope to surpass the 10,000 mark.
Sponsors are asked to choose a tag from a tree at one of many area businesses. Scrapper’s Haven owner Katrina Volkert has put up a Gifts for Winona tree in the store for several years. They usually get about 30 to 40 tags.
“We never have a problem getting rid of tags,” Volkert said.
The same group usually takes the majority of the tags, Volkert said. The deadline to return gifts is Dec. 12. Volkert tries to keep track of who is taking tags and gives them a gentle reminder to get their gifts in, if needed.
“We’re kind of control freaks that way,” Volkert said.
The suggested amount to spend is about $30 per individual. The $30 amount is based on the fact that for many, this will be the only gift they get. That money is quickly spent if a child has requested boots and a pair of pants.
“It’s hard to cut that number back,” Nahrgang said.
So far, Gifts for Winona has never had to turn anyone away. There’s usually a last-minute rush to make sure gifts have been bought for everybody.
If they run out of gifts, they have a plan to take care of children first and then the elderly. Nahrgang said they hope it doesn’t come down to that this year —or ever.
If you’ve donated in the past, you’re likely going to get a call asking for your support. If you haven’t, Nahrgang said, they can really use your help.
“You have to remember, every tag is a person,” Nahrgang said.
Get involved
To participate in Gifts for Winona, call (507) 457-8719.
