Amid plenty of activity this weekend, the Seeley Lake Stocking party is hoping to give back to the community by providing free toys and time with Santa at the Seeley Lake Foundation building on Dec. 17.
Seeley Lake stockings, now in its fifth year, was started to be a place for families to bring their children for good fun and a toy. Sheila Czifro, one of the founders, noticed there were plenty of events in Seeley during the winter, but not enough for children, especially those in need.
“We don’t want to carry anything home at the end of this,” Czifro said, referencing the stockings.
More than 150 free stocking stuffers and 10 tote bags of toys will be available this weekend. There is also a free trip to Santa’s lap and free professional photography for families to take a group photo. Czifro said the photos will be posted to Facebook after the event.
Last year the event did not happen because of Czifro breaking her leg. Besides that year, Czifro has been passionate about helping families in the area. She said before the Seeley Stockings, she worked with children fighting cancer during the holiday season.
After moving the event to the summer, Czifro said she felt like something was missing.
“I was so used to getting toys and stuff ready for the kids that when I saw nothing was happening for the kids around here I said ‘why not,’” Czifro said.
Mary Newpower, who runs the Loving Hearts thrift store, said she gave plenty of extra toys to the Seeley Lake Stockings events. Books and other gifts are also up for grabs. Newpower added that Czifro’s event is the “real deal” and people should get there early.
Other events happening over the weekend include the Caravan of Lights in Seeley Lake, which might have a later start time because of the Montana versus North Dakota State game playing around the mid afternoon in Missoula.
The Rich Ranch is also hosting its community appreciation day on Dec. 17. Czifro said she is bummed that she cannot attend the ranch’s festival, but encouraged families to make both events over the course of the day.
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