Green Bay business gives toys away

GREEN BAY - Christmas came a little early at one business in Green Bay.

Burmans GB Boutique normally sells accessories and home décor items.

But Sunday, Santa Claus and his elves were busy handing out toys to needy people.

The family is paying it forward in memory of their mother.

At the corner of Ashland and Mather, there were signs of the season.

"What do you want for Christmas?" asked Santa Claus.

"Today we're giving away gifts to kids that might not be able to receive them at all this year," said Anthony Pijanowski, Burmans GB Boutique.

300 toys were ready to go.

"We don't really have a lot of money this year, and it's really helpful," said Kylene Herrera, Green Bay.

"It's definitely a big help, especially with the economy these days," said Lisa June, Green Bay.

"Merry Christmas," said Santa.

"This makes us feel really good," said Anthony Pijanowski.

Anthony Pijanowski and his mother Barb Pijanowski organized the giveaway in memory of Barb's mother, Dianne Nelson, who died of cancer this summer.

"In remembrance of her, we're going to give away gifts to all the children, because she was so very giving," said Barb Pijanowski, Burmans GB Boutique.

Two year-old Braelinn Steffel got two stuffed animals.

"And there's nothing like watching her opening up her gifts. She's having so much fun, and you know it's just like infectious, it's just infectious," said Denice Henning, Green Bay.

"Let the kids get a little smile on their faces for Christmas, because that's the best gift of all, is a little bit of joy in their lives," said Anthony Pijanowski.

"It's not just for people that don't have anything, it's for people that are just in need of some help," said Barb Pijanowski.

Paying it forward,

"Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas. All right," said Jerry Des Jardins, Green Bay.

while honoring the matriarch of the family.

"This is what we're doing for our Christmas, instead of overloading ourselves with stuff we don't need," said Barb Pijanowski.

This is the first year for the Christmas toy give away.

Family members say they went through all 300 toys.

They hope to do it all again, next season.