Under the recent snowy December sky, the Christmas spirit soared during the Northampton Area Food Bank’s 10th annual Judy’s Little Santa Shop, held Dec. 7. This year, the event landed at the East Allen Township Fire Department, 5354 Nor-Bath Blvd., where the red fire engines and yellow suits were swapped out for tables filled with gifts.

The workshop welcomes children ages 3-11 who utilize the food bank to come and gather gifts for the members of their household. Parents are invited to sit and relax in a side room while their children morph into mini Santas and pick out gifts to give.

The presents do not leave the room without being wrapped to protect the secrecy of the gift giving. When the children exit the gift shop, goody bags, cupcakes and pictures with Santa are waiting.

It was a decade ago when local community member Judy Egge brought a little bit of the North Pole’s magic to her local food bank. Egge introduced the program as a way to alleviate some of the additional stress December can bring.

Egge dedicated so much of her time to giving to her community, sparing even the last few months of her life for helping others. She was known as a beacon of altruism in her community.

Egge died in February 2016, but her legacy flutters around the workshop as two daughters, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren continue the tradition.

Judy’s Little Santa Shop has grown over the years. Volunteers and donations have poured in from the surrounding areas. The workshop has even gained the Northampton Area High School girls’ basketball team and the Volunteer Club as allies. Target also contributes to the event.

This year, the workshop was able to raffle off three Christmas trees and six bikes to participating families.

Marcella Odinyo said if her grandmother could see what her beloved event turned into, “she would be really proud. She would be really amazed.”

If you would like to participate next year or would like to provide donations, contact Odinyo, program coordinator, at cella6204@gmail.com.