PONDERAY — Ponderay city staff spread holiday cheer Saturday by continuing a decades-long tradition of giving. 

The city’s annual Santa Sack project — which aims to support residents by distributing holiday items and essential goods across town — dispersed over 500 gift bags in its 21st consecutive year of operation. 

In the spirit of the season, volunteers and city employees dressed as elves, and Mayor Steve Geiger donned the red suit of Santa Claus as residents received gift bags from a festive trolley towed behind a Ponderay Police Department vehicle.

The hundreds of bags assembled by city staff and local volunteers leading up to the event included variations tailored for infants, seniors, boys and girls. 

According to KayLeigh Miller, Ponderay planning and zoning director and organizer of the Santa Sack project, every bag contained essential goods like toothbrushes, pens and food items. Bags destined for kids also included toys and games, along with “things that promote family togetherness” like gingerbread house kits and craft supplies. 

To maximize the project’s value each year, Miller searches local retailers and online commerce sites to seek out sale items. 

“I shop around to find the best deals on what we're purchasing and buy in bulk,” said Miller. “We stretch every penny as far as we can.” 

The project’s funding comes in part from Ponderay’s events budget, but Santa Sack is mainly supported by donations from residents and businesses. 

To spread the word about the event, the city of Ponderay sends out invitations to donate to the project with the city’s business license renewals each year. Residents who see the project as a program worth supporting also contribute funds that enable its continuation. 

“We see a lot of repeat donors, and also new people that join in,” said Miller. 

The trolley’s 12-stop route spans all areas of Ponderay and is designed to maximize access for community members. 

“We try to hit central points where people can come together,” Miller said. 

Additionally, city officials keep a list of seniors in need and bring items to their doors each year to ensure they receive essential goods. 

In the past, city officials have brought the trolley to the Walmart parking lot to distribute the remaining bags after the route is completed. This year, leftover bags were brought to Ponderay’s outdoor ice rink that opened in November and Santa took to the ice to skate with kids and celebrate a job well done. 

Miller attributes the enduring success of the program to the need it seeks to address. According to her, some residents rely on the gift bags to be able to offer their child or grandchild a holiday present. 

“That's the only gift that they're able to provide them at Christmas,” said Miller. 

While locals struggling to make ends meet may be reluctant to broadcast their need, a gesture of unprompted support during the holidays can make a world of difference. 

“I think there's so much need in our community that isn't publicized,” Miller said. “When the need is there, projects continue.”

    Residents gather around Ponderay's "Santa trolley" to receive gift bags from city staff and volunteers.