TRUCKEE, Calif. — It’s time to fill Santa’s Wish Box. 

The annual event spreads cheer for Truckee Donner Senior Apartments, who often have little in the way of gifts or holiday family visits.

The Wish Box started almost 25 years ago with the community giving small gifts to Truckee Donner Senior Apartment residents.

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It has grown to a luncheon event complete with Santa arriving on a shiny red Truckee Fire Department engine, “Frank” tinkling Christmas tunes on the piano, special elves and, of course, presents.

Truckee Donner Senior Apartment resident Jesse Griffin, also known as “Clarence-AS2,” has organized the gift giving and warm holiday luncheon at the senior apartments common room for more than six years.

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The event preparation and gift giving requires many helping hands. Clarence seeks groups, businesses and service organizations to participate.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe donates bags from each department as part of the Community Footprints program. Ten to 15 volunteers arrive with pastry, soup and coffee and serve lunch plates with a smile.

 

Calling all elves

Elves of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to participate. Purchase one or more gift cards at $25 each — 200 are needed. Merchants, consider donating product. Bakers, cooks, caterers, candy makers — jump in with warm side dishes or luscious sweets.

Also needed are calendars, computer paper, hats and mittens. Clarence will start matching residents with her host of magical elves Nov. 1, 2015.

The deadline to participate Dec. 1. To learn more about Santa’s Wish Box, to fill wishes, or donate items, email Clarence at xmas.wish@hotmail.com.

Visit on.fb.me/1LPEjLK for a Sierra Sun Facebook gallery of last year’s luncheon.