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Secret Santa Shop brings joy of giving to Grand Lake

Annual event gives children the opportunity to pick out gifts for mom and dad or even their pets

News |

Meg Soyars Van Hauen

The Grand Lake Secret Santa Shop teaches children the joy of giving as they pick out gifts for parents and pets. The Shop runs from Dec. 6-7, 2024.
Deb Gahan/Courtesy photo

What do mom and dad want for the holidays this year? Grand County children can pick from lots of presents to surprise their parents, thanks to the Secret Santa Shop in Grand Lake.

At Secret Santa Shop, kids leave their parents at the door to explore a room full of gifts donated by the community. Each child picks out a gift for mom and dad or even their pets. They then wrap the gifts with help from the elves. Children can also visit with Santa, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and complete arts and crafts.

The free event — which lets kids experience the joy of giving, not just receiving — is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7.

The event was created in 2011 by Grand Angels, a volunteer group. Although Grand Angels has since dissolved, the spirit of giving continues, and the shop delights children and parents year after year.

The event is made possible by volunteers, who receive support from Grand Lake Rotary Club, Mountain Family Center, the town of Grand Lake and other donors.

“It’s such a great event for kids and families in Grand Lake,” said Deb Gahan, a former Grand Lake resident who created the program. “We usually have around 250 kiddos come shop in the two days. So with parents and volunteers, (we’re) looking at 600 to 700 people in the two days. Quite an event for an all-volunteer team.”

How to help

Community members can donate new or gently used gifts for parents and pets. Clothing is not accepted. Monetary donations are accepted by check or cash.

Gifts can be dropped off at the following locations:

  • Grand Lake Chamber, 14700 U.S. Highway 34
  • Grand Lake Center, 301 Marina Drive
  • Mountain Lake Properties, 1133 Grand Ave.

Volunteers are needed from Dec. 2-9 (especially with setup Dec. 5). Those interested in becoming Santa’s helpers can contact Katie Ellis at 720-434-1690 or katiegarciaellis@gmail.com to sign up.

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