INDIANAPOLIS — This year, more kids than ever at Wheeler Mission got to experience the magic of Christmas thanks to the Santa Shop.
It's been 10 years and the shop continues to be a beacon of hope for families at the shelter.
Kawana Evans was one of the many people who looked through the mountains of gifts for the perfect present for her 6-year-old daughter. They've been living at the shelter for almost a year.
"This is a big help, because there's a lot of moms here not able to buy gifts for our kids. A lot of moms here have multiple kids. That's even more money. It gives us an opportunity for each child to have something for Christmas. To have a normal Christmas," Evans said.
A "normal" Christmas is something that depends on a full community's support.
"Every year we do question, 'Oh my goodness, how are we ever going to meet the need?'" said Colleen Gore, chief program officer.
This year, the need is larger than ever. Gore said the shelter houses an average of 103 kids every night.
"We have never seen, during winter contingency, family numbers that are this high. It's unprecedented," Gore said.
There was something special happening in that room full of gifts and gratitude.
"What we try to do is renew some of the dignity and some of the joy that comes with Christmas by allowing them to choose for themselves what they would like their kids to receive and then enjoy that whole process for their family," Gore said.
"The kids can feel like they're in a normal setting. Not in a shelter. They can enjoy the holidays like the other kids they go to school with," Evans said.
The Christmas shop closes on Saturday, Dec. 23, but Gore said the need doesn't stop then.
For more information about how you can help the shelter year round, click here.