Holiday shopping usually entails long lines, big crowds and lots and lots of grumpy adults. Thankfully, Jubilee Housing’s Elf Store is the remedy that puts everyone in the holiday spirit, kids and grown-ups alike. Held this year on December 7, the Elf Store is an annual tradition that, for a few hours on a Saturday, creates a pop-up store of holiday gifts sold at kid-friendly prices.

The day comes alive thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers who fund and staff the store. Volunteer shopper elves help our young customers choose age-appropriate gifts for their family members, while diligent and dexterous wrapper elves bag, box, parcel and package the gifts in beautiful and dazzling style.

Our valued young customers also can enjoy a cup of cocoa while they wait, and Santa and his photographer are conveniently on site for anyone in the mood for a little holiday voguing.

The whirlwind event only lasts a couple of hours – Santa and the elves have to leave time to continue their rounds before the holidays start. As the children head home with stacks of gifts teetering in their arms, the store is whisked away until the next year, and the industrious elves return to their civilian guises.

This year’s Elf Store served over 80 children from the Jubilee Housing community. With the help of 60 volunteers, young customers purchased and had wrapped more than 300 gifts. The Jubilee Housing team hopes the youngsters also took home a few fond memories, too. We thank everyone who contributed to making the Elf Store a joyous holiday tradition again in 2019!