The Clark Fork Valley Montana Women in Timber group held their annual Parent’s Gift Table at the Superior fire house on Saturday, Dec. 10. Unfortunately, they had one of the smallest turn-outs in recent memory.

The ladies said they usually have around 100 kids show up, but this year they only had 32. The event is an opportunity for children to “shop” for gifts to give to their parents for Christmas. All the items are free of charge and the women also wrap the gifts and so they are ready to be put under the tree.

There were several tables still filled with gifts at the end of the day including porcelain knick-knacks, tools, winter gloves and more. Money for the gifts is raised by Robert Lyons, who stands on Main Street in Superior for several hours during the holiday season and collects cash from passing cars.

Santa was also at the event and so kids could tell him what they wanted for Christmas.

“I heard there was a lot of kids out sick this week,” commented member Connie Ireland. Someone also created flyers which were distributed in the St. Regis area and said the event was being held at the St. Regis Fire Department, rather than the Superior Fire Department. The women speculated that some people may have gone to St. Regis and found no one there.

They weren’t sure who made the flyer, and it was not approved by anyone in their organization.

“It’s a nice flyer, though,” said Joann Merseal, “but the location was wrong.”

On Sunday, the group will be wrapping Christmas presents for gift baskets. Then they will put together around 100 baskets next Saturday at the 4-H building in Superior. The baskets will be delivered by members of the Lions Club to local residents who are in need over the holidays.