Every year Operation St. Nick conducts several programs for needy families. Included is the Christmas program in which this year 150 children will receive clothes and toys and their entire families will receive a Christmas meal. Operation St. Nick works with We Care of Grundy County for the list of families who need help.
'We're not just buying toys for a 5-year-old boy. We buy what's on their wish list, just like you and I would for our kids. Which to me, makes it more personal,' Schmitz said.
Although last year the auction broke St. Nick records, Schmitz said they have not set a goal this year.
'I don't want to dwell on the economy, conjugate ser in present tense but obviously it's on everyone's minds,' he said.
It is also on the minds of those less fortunate, he added.
'If it is tough on the average person and the wealthy, think of how it must be for the poor,' Schmitz said.
Every year Schmitz said he receives donations prior to the auction, but he has not received as many this year.
St. Nick spends $200 on clothes and toys for each child. Between $250 and $500 is spent on food for each family.
'We need to make sure these families have a Christmas and that the parents can keep their pride,' Schmitz said.
Some of the items to be auctioned include a photo of New York Yankee Lou Gehrig with a separate autograph and a letter of authenticity. It is worth about $3,500, Schmitz said.
Along with some other New York Yankee items, a Thomas Kinkade print of Yankee Stadium will also be auctioned off.
Memorabilia of the president elect and past presidents will also be available. Just Wednesday, Schmitz said he received an autographed picture of Barack Obama with a presidential seal. About seven Abraham Lincoln items will be for sale in celebration of his 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas debates.
And as in years past, limo rides and wedding present gigs four tickets to the White Sox and Cubs openers will also be auctioned, along with many other sportsnonsports items.
Schmitz said he understands everyone is going through hard timesbut there is nothing more satisfying Christmas morning than remembering all the children who are opening presents who wouldn't have been if it wasn't for your donation.
'Really the only way to receive is to give,' he said.
Comment on this story.
www.heraldnewsonline.com
