Grand Rapids Christmas charity begins collections for kids

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Grand Rapids charity is getting ready to spread some holiday cheer to thousands of kids.

While Wednesday was a warm summer day 133 days before Christmas, it was the first day that Santa Claus girls of Kent County started collecting donations.

“We are shooting for 12,000 and it’s just Kent County,” said Tina Hudson, president of Santa Claus Girls of Kent County.

Hudson and Lois Rainero with Santa Claus Girls are excited about the upcoming season but say it wasn’t easy getting there.

“It’s been a long year, we’ve had a lot of trials and tribulations over the gifts and if we would be able to utilize them,” said Hudson.

In November, the DeltaPlex Arena and Conference Center in Walker caught fire . More than 5,000 gifts were stored there.

“We were heartbroken,” said Hudson.

The group had to hand out gift cards to kids last year instead of presents because of smoke damage. But months later, the group got the go-ahead.

“The professional cleaning company has given us the thumbs up, they are good to go,” Hudson said.

They were able to clean up and save 5,200 gifts that can be given out this year. More donations were coming in Wednesday evening. Brenda Hiemstra knitted mittens and hats, something she’s been doing for years.

“I hope something they can use, wear and keep warm,” said Hiemstra.

Each kid will receive a hat, mittens, pajamas, a book and a toy. There were only two people at work today but they expect more volunteers tomorrow.

“It takes a village to pull off what we pull off, and we’ve got a hard-working village,” said Hudson.

For more information on how to donate and volunteer, the Santa Clause Girls website .

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