Local biz turns into Santa's workshop

GREEN BAY - Every Christmas, Santa's elves are hard at work, to ensure each child's holiday is a merry one.

And Jolly old St. Nick's helpers can be found not only at the North Pole, but right here in Titletown.

That's because every year, an area business transforms into Santa's workshop for a day to prepare gifts for all of the good little girls and boys

"Help the kids. I always had it fairly nice myself," said Curt Malcore with the Bellevue East Town Optimists Club. "I hate to see children that don't have it."

Every year the Bellevue East Town Optimists turn A-1 Upholstery in Green Bay into Santa's workshop.

"I think these little ones are harder to wrap than the big ones are!" exclaimed one volunteer.

With Christmas carols playing in the background, the Optimists along with volunteers from Family and Childcare Resources of N.E.W. wrap presents they have collected and purchased for area children in need.

We have 201 children to wrap for, about 60 families," said Tom Deer with the Bellevue East Town Optimists Club.

From dolls, to flag footballs, and family games that will provide fun for all, these folks are happy to perform this labor of love.

"It just feels wonderful to be able to help everybody out," Deer said.

It's a tradition that's been going on for a little more than 30 years.

"It definitely warms your heart and makes it a wonderful time of year knowing that these families might not get gifts otherwise," said Paula Breese with Family and Child Resources of N.E.W.

After the gifts are carefully wrapped, into a sack they go, ready for delivery.

While these volunteers won't meet the children who receive these presents, they can imagine what their reactions would be.

"I'm sure there's nothing but smiles out there all the time," Malcore said.

Last year volunteers wrapped presents for around 150 children in the community.