What a great opportunity for the young kiddos to get out and shop for Christmas presents, without their parents, and with Santa and his helpers. On December 7th, which is a Saturday, Shop With Santa will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Owatonna.

Parents and guardians can bring their kiddos, 6th grade and younger, to the church starting at 7 am, where the kids will get a numbered bag, and then wait their turn to go shopping for gifts, without the parents seeing what they are buying. While they are waiting, they can make gift tags, watch movies, or participate in other fun activities.

All of the gifts were made and donated by Steele County 4-Hers, their leaders, parents, grandparents, etc., and they are all priced at $5 or below. Past items have included aprons, dish towels, craft items, wooden puzzles, and even more. There should be something for everyone, and at a kid-friendly cost as well.

So, what is a parent to do when the kids are shopping? Have no fear, the Mrs. Claus Coffee Shop will have treats, milk, and coffee for purchase for those waiting to shop, waiting for shoppers, or those who need a pick-me-up after they are done shopping.

Best of all, those gifts that your children are carefully selecting, they are wrapped and tagged before they are returned to you, so the surprise factor will be there come Christmas morning, if your kids can keep a secret that is. Mine never could.

All of the proceeds from this community service project support youth programming in Steele County.

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