There will be gifts under Christmas trees and food in the pantry, thanks to the efforts of volunteer groups in the area. On Dec. 3, Helping Hands raised over $5,800 with their annual auction. With some of the funds raised, the group bought toys, clothes, games and food for 11 families in need for the holidays.

There were Barbie dolls, legos, pajamas, My Little Pony, Nerf balls and a monster truck.

“Each child gets a toy, as well as clothes,” said Ruthie Kulawinski, who helped to organize the event. The families also received a basketful of food including items like spaghetti, potatos, juice, cereal, and granola bars. Additionally, each family received a family Christmas bag with games, and popcorn.

“It gives the family something to do for a family night, which is important,” she said.

The families also receive a Christmas dinner of turkey and ham and all the trimmings.

Nearly 20 volunteers showed up on Saturday to wrap gifts and organize the food. On Sunday, Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted children and their families as they arrived to receive their baskets.

“It’s fun to do this and very rewarding,” said Kulawinski. “You can see the relief on the parents faces when they come in, knowing they’ll have a good holiday.”

Helping Hands volunteers weren’t the only ones wrapping presents on Saturday. The Women in Timber group were doing the same thing at the 4-H building in Superior. They put together 100 baskets for local families, which will be delivered by the Lions Club over the holidays. Some of the gifts were bought by Mrs. Crabbs fourth grade class in Superior, who went shopping for the group at local stores. They used the $500 which was raised by Robert Lyons, who stands on Main Street in Superior for several hours during the holiday season and collects cash.