By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

This Santa’s Workshop is not located at the North Pole; it’s a little closer, in Hays.

Children ages 12 and younger are invited to Santa’s Workshop for a kids’ shopping day Sat., Nov. 24, to buy Christmas gifts for their loved ones.

The special event will be held at the VFW Post 9076, 2106 Vine, where the VFW Honor Guard and Auxiliary members, along with other volunteer elves, will help children select the perfect gifts.

Kat’s Hallmark is sponsoring the event. Business owner Kathy Schupman has an in at the local VFW. She is the Post Quartermaster.

Schupman grew up in Ohio where she participated in similar holiday shopping events as a child.

“I loved the idea and I’ve always wanted my daughter to be able to participate. Being in the military and moving around, I never came across this again,” Schupman said.

She talked to her team members at Kat’s Hallmark, 4320 Vine, and they decided to “give this a try.”

All the gifts are priced at $5 or less and are Hallmark brand products or its affiliates. “Hallmark is very much behind this endeavor,” she added.

The gifts available for purchase are suitable for family members, other loved ones, friends and even pets. The shoppers will be given a form to help them keep track of whom they’re buying for and how much they’re spending.

Parents who bring their children will wait in the lobby area with coffee while the kids shop. Students from TMP-Marian school will be offering free gift wrapping.

“They’re coming home with something that’s wrapped that says ‘From Johnny to Mom’ and Mom doesn’t know what it is.

“It gives excitement for the children and for the parent. And it doesn’t matter what financial bracket you’re in,” Schupman stressed. “This is just a good fun event for everyone to participate in.”

Santa Claus himself will be in the lobby to pose for pictures with the kids.

Santa’s Workshop is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Proceeds will benefit the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9076 in Hays.