District 49 students buy Christmas presents for their families

It was a special day for some families in need in El Paso County.

District 49 in Falcon is helping young students buy gifts for their families, who might otherwise have limited gifts on Christmas.

More than 50 students from the district’s nine elementary schools ate breakfast, met Santa and purchased gifts for their family members.

Volunteers say the kids understand the true meaning of the season.

“The whole point of Christmas is coming together as a community and really helping out others,” Maddie Riggs said. She was volunteering with other Junior ROTC members from Falcon High School. “It’s about giving whatever you can.”

RJ Berry drives school buses for Falcon School District. He said he created the Santa’s Toy Express event 13 years ago so every family had a chance to open presents.

“We’re here to try and help some families if we can in the community,” Berry said. “It’s a special time for the kids. They are on a mission to make sure that their family is taken care of the best that they possibly can during Christmas time.”

Organizers spend months planning the event every year. They said it wouldn’t be possible without the community’s generosity.

“It runs about $6,000 a year to put the program on,” Berry said. “We raise it all through fundraising, and sponsors coming in with additional money.”