FAIRMONT — The holidays are approaching and for many people, especially children, it is the most anticipated moment of the year when family gathers and celebrates the season with gifts, generous meals and activities, all in the comfort of each other.

However, for a considerable amount of people in economic distress, there’s uncertainty as they confront plans for the season. The Elf Shop is a donation-driven event that has operated for several years, allowing Fairmont Elementary School students in grades Kindergarten to second to pick the ‘perfect gift’ for their loved ones. The ‘shopping’ event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at Fairmont Elementary School.

The Elf Shop is coordinated by Laura Olsen. Olsen is a Physical Therapist Assistant, substitute teacher and a devoted member of the Martin County community. This opportunity to help unfortunate people is a testament to her drive to help others in surrounding areas.

“[The students are able] to ‘shop’ free-of-charge for their families for Christmas,” Olsen noted. Similar to Kamp for Kids and Toys for Tots in the area, the Elf Shop obliterates worry regarding gifts for family members, garnering both reception and donations to lend a hand to another household for the upcoming holiday.

“I have been working closely with Amy Becker, school social worker, since 2021 when the late Laura Dunker, who had been diligently leading the project, needed assistance. I help to coordinate dates and details ahead of time, as well as asking for donations, and, leading the setup, shopping and clean up during the three days the event takes to complete,” Olsen explained.

The event, and the amount of gifts for selection, depend deeply on donations made by community members. Donated items can include new or gently used toys, household decorations, fashion, movies, games and more gifts that interest all demographics of people.

Children who are to choose gifts for their families on that date must deliver a signed permission form to the school before the event. The form in question includes broad information about individual immediate family members, which will further assist both the children themselves and the on-site ‘Helpers’ in selecting appropriate gifts for the student to take home. Donations must be dropped off by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26. The room will be filled will a catalog of gifts for children to choose from, with volunteers nearby to help and wrap.

“Items should be new or like new. Kids shop for people of all ages from infants to grandparents who are living with them. We accept cash or gift cards to use to purchase additional items for areas we might be low in as well. We are often most in need of items suitable for teenagers and adult males, as well as various-sized boxes and gift-wrapping supplies,” Olsen said.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, approximately 45 percent of students and their families within the school district are economically disadvantaged. The Elf Shop serves to additionally eliminate stressors of holiday shopping and planning from those in financial crisis. As reported by Olsen, efforts made by the Elf Shop have proven to be successful, making families happy one gift at a time.

“It is such a joy to watch the children thoughtfully select the “perfect” gift for their loved ones. Although they often wish they could shop for themselves, they leave satisfied knowing they will make someone very happy with the gift they’ve chosen. The kids are learning to think of others and serve them. We hope this also provides added support to families who may not be able to give additional items to their loved ones,” she said.

Olsen explained that she received a generous amount of feedback from those the Elf Shop helped. Regardless of economic status, she witnessed many people in the county rallying behind the event to help those in need-both gifters and recipients.

“The children, teachers and families are so appreciative each year of the joy this brings. The community members also look forward to donating items as well as their time,” she said.

Fairmont Area Schools continue to search for volunteers to help with the three days of operation. On Monday, Dec. 2, volunteers will be setting up the shop. On Tuesday, Dec. 3, volunteers will help wrap and distribute gifts. Finally, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, volunteers will assist absent shoppers and clean up following all gifts distributed. Those interested in assisting the event may look for available roles at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D4DA9A92BA0FF2-52913342-fairmont#/