What began seven years ago as a small act of kindness in a Montrose driveway is now one of the largest holiday charity events on the Western Slope.
Mrs. Claus for a Cause — founded by Montrose resident Leah Cole, who ran the first event from her home with “just a few families coming and going” — returns Dec. 19–21 at Friendship Hall. Organizers expect to serve 3,500 children this year, up from about 2,500 last year.
“It’s crazy. It doesn’t seem like it was that long ago, but I guess it was,” Cole said. “I genuinely believe my purpose on this planet is to help people. When I talk about it, everybody always tells me, ‘Dang, I can feel how passionate you are about it.’ I think people see that it’s a genuine thing I’m doing, and the energy makes people want to be part of it.”
Three days of free activities and giveaways
This year’s event will run:
Dec. 19: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (open to everyone)
Dec. 20: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (open to everyone)
Dec. 21: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (special needs day; entire family welcome)
Friendship Hall is located at 1001 N. 2nd St., Montrose.
Free tickets (one per attendee) are available through Eventbrite.
Children who attend will receive free toys, warm clothing, coloring supplies, activity books, donated books, and more. Cole said she has already purchased more than 700 new winter coats, and the nonprofit continues to repair donated children’s bicycles so kids can choose one if they wish.
“Every kid gets to pick out a brand-new coloring option, an activity book, donated books, and any toy or stuffed animal in their age group,” she said. Younger children receive donated board books instead of art supplies, and staff use their discretion if a child arrives without gloves or a hat.
There will also be Disney characters, pictures with Santa, face painting, cookie decorating, haircuts, kids yoga, yard games, inflatable games, the Montrose Children’s Museum, and performances from Elevation Academy of Dance. Valkyrie Pro will again set up a large outdoor movie screen for families waiting in line.
A new feature this year: Colorado Outdoors and Toasty’s All Day Eatery will host a gourmet hot chocolate and coffee bar inside the venue.
Pony visits are planned for Saturday, and coffee truck Zumi’s will be on-site starting Tuesday for volunteers and early setup crews.
A community effort — with 10,000 gifts prepared
Cole estimates the event now involves around 10,000 gifts, ranging from toys and coats to bikes and books. The nonprofit is still accepting donations, especially items for children ages 0–3 and 10 and up, as well as teen gifts such as beauty products, sports items and craft kits.
The impact of the event goes far beyond holiday fun, Cole said. She often responds personally to letters written at the event’s “Letters to Santa” station. Some of those letters result in behind-the-scenes help.
“One said, ‘I’m so cold. I wish we didn’t have to sleep on the floor at night,’” she said. After reading it, Cole coordinated with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to deliver beds and arranged for donated Christmas items for the family.
Another year, a young girl who was too sick to attend donated her entire toy collection before she died. “Her mom was like, she wanted you to have everything,” Cole said. “It was so selfless.”
Why the event keeps growing
Cole believes the growth comes from authenticity.
“All I want to do is help people, and the more people I can reach, the more people I can help,” she said. “Nobody’s better than anybody when they come. There’s no VIP line. There’s no advance tickets. You might look like you’re very wealthy, and on the inside you might be screaming. Who am I to say who deserves toys or doesn’t?”
Cole said some children even pick out gifts for siblings who are home sick. Others simply come for Santa photos or haircuts. “For them, it’s all magic,” she said. “When you see the way they look up at Buzz Lightyear or their favorite princess, it’s the coolest thing.”
Volunteers, donations and help needed now
Setup will take place Dec. 16–18, beginning with a large loading effort at Lilac Storage at 8 a.m. on Dec. 16. Cole said anyone with an enclosed trailer or even a horse trailer is especially needed.
She and volunteers will be at Friendship Hall from 8 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. each day preparing the space.
A volunteer meeting is scheduled for Monday at 6:15 p.m. at the Association office.
High school students can receive double community service hours for volunteering. The nonprofit also needs hairdressers and barbers willing to give free children’s haircuts during the event.
Tear-down help is needed Dec. 21 after 3 p.m. and Dec. 22.
Funding the effort
Mrs. Claus for a Cause aims to raise $30,000 this year to cover venue rental, toys, warm clothing, books, cookie-decorating supplies, decorations and warm food for families.
Cole said the nonprofit currently has 25 monetary sponsors, with sponsorship packages available from $250 to $3,000. Donations of any amount are accepted through Venmo, GoFundMe, mail or Alpine Bank.
Despite the scale, every organizer remains a volunteer.
“It takes one person to try to trash your name, but I just want everybody to be happy,” Cole said. “This is going to be the biggest year yet.”
