The Busy Elves loaded the Sherri McDonald Hospitality Room at Salish Kootenai College on Dec. 7 with paints, crayons, pompoms, candy canes, ornaments to decorate, prizes, a photo booth, stickers, and even Santa Claus. 

Meanwhile, food in the lobby included kid favorites like pizza, frosted cupcakes, juice, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and iced sugar cookies with sprinkles. Both rooms were crowded, and the food line was long. 

Mayuk Caye, a parent educator with the Early Foundations Home Visiting Program, said CSKT Human Resources Department, Tribal Health, Early Childhood Education, Three Chiefs Cultural Center, Tribal Education, Tribal Vocational all band together for Busy Elves. They supply prizes, supplies for crafts, and even laundry soap and paper products for busy households during the holidays.   

Busy Elves was launched in 2018, but skipped 2021 and 2022 due to COVID. This year’s event marks its return, Caye said. Kids were clearly glad to see the elves again. 

One youngster made a reindeer from a candy cane, some paper antlers and ears, googly eyes and lots of glue. He wanted help naming his reindeer, and asked for some “goofy” boy names; Gary topped the list. Two tiny girls worked hard coloring paper bowls that would become a lawn ornament. 

Some parents were carefully tucking ornaments into pockets and bags to transplant to the family Christmas trees and smiling at little faces smudged with as families made Christmas memories. 

    This young man was gobsmacked at the Busy Elves event when his number was called and he won a door prize. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
  

    At Busy Elves, King made a reindeer from a candy cane, pipe cleaner and a big red pompom. He named his new friend Gary. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
  

    At the Busy Elves event, there were many family friendly crafts. This young lady is painting an ornament. (Berl tiskus/Leader)