Great gifts for everyone

POLSON — Julia Roberts of Family Matters is encouraging Lake County residents to clean out their closets for the Great Gift Exchange, happening all week in Polson.

From Dec. 4 through 11, used toys, blankets, clothes, tools and kitchen items, among other things, are being collected at Cherry Valley Elementary. On Saturday, families in need of a few extra presents to put under the tree can come by the school and pick out items to wrap for their loved ones.

“We all have a few things around our house that are really nice quality things but we don’t use anymore,” Roberts said. “We just wanted to provide the opportunity for parents to have another gift for their kids.”

It’s an opportunity for parents, and even kids, to find gifts that would otherwise be thrown away or sold for pennies at a yard sale next summer. Roberts said she will have some of Santa’s little helpers to aid families in finding what they’re looking for and even free gift wrapping available once a great gift is found. Children can actually custom draw their own wrapping paper, which will make the gift of giving so much more meaningful.

While the event is new, it builds on Joleen Brackey’s gift drive from years past.

“It was such a huge success,” Roberts said. “My daughter was one of the elves that helped people and she was just so excited she wanted to do it again. It’s such an important thing this time of year, especially this year because people don’t have the means to go buy stuff.”

It’s full-force this week, between collecting donated items and organizing the inventory.

“People really want to give, it gives them a good feeling and they don’t have to spend money to do it,” Roberts said.

Donated items can be dropped off at Cherry Valley or Roberts will pick them up. Call Roberts at (406) 249-0457 for more information.