Free ‘Santa on a Budget’ swap to make Christmas easier this year
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IDAHO FALLS – A free toy, clothing and book swap to make Christmas a little easier will be held this weekend.
The Santa on a Budget swap welcomes all clean and gently used toys, books, games, jewelry, shoes and clothing.
The idea came when Krysta Aten-Schell noticed Facebook posts asking what people needed and about families who were struggling with costs this Christmas.
“It seems like everything is more and more expensive these days,” Aten-Schell said.
She noticed she had many things she needed to donate, so she thought she could give them away for free and help these families.
Aten-Schell posted to several Facebook pages, including Life in Idaho Falls and Idaho Falls Area Free Stuff, to see if people would be interested in a swap event.
Natasha Daley saw the posts and wanted to help. She will co-host the event.
“We’ve actually never met each other,” Aten-Schell said. “We’re just doing this virtually, and so we’re going to meet each other for the first time on Thursday.”
Aten-Schell is a project architect with Holt Architects and runs Aten-Schell Distributing with her husband. The two companies and Rove Backcountry Outfitters will sponsor the event.
After the swap, all remaining items will go to the Haven and other local shelters.
Aten-Schell’s 8-year-old daughter Kaylin Aten-Schell is particularly excited to give away her old things.
“She has been sorting through all her old toys and books with us, and she is excited about helping other kids have a good Christmas,” Aten-Schell said.
The Santa on a Budget swap will be Saturday, Dec. 14, from noon to 5 p.m. at Rove Backcountry Outfitters at 4003 Professional Way Suite B in Idaho Falls. You can also drop off donations ahead of time on Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To stay up to date, visit the Santa on a Budget Facebook event.
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