Student Santa’s organization brings joy through free event on Christmas Day

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – A local organization is working to make sure that no one feels alone on Christmas Day by giving a free meal and free toys to anyone in need. 

Jennifer Icaza-Gast is the Founder of the organization Student Santas, Gast shares that the organization got its name from when she was a teacher at Semo University, she offered extra points to her students who brought in toys for needy children during Christmas and she says her students went above and beyond in helping to the organization kick-off.

Gast says her family also plays a big role in making the organization successful each year.

“So, this is Student Santa’s, so we have been around for almost 20 years” says Gast. “I started this a long time ago when my boys were very little. We’ve helped about 45,000 children all over the state of Missouri.” 

 Gast and her family spend each Christmas giving back to the community, providing toys and a hot meal.

The Century Casino of Cape Girardeau donated funding for this year’s meal. 

Gasts daughter Laurel Gast says her, and her siblings find joy in the event each year.

 “I’ve seen a bunch of kids they get all happy when they get their toys and their meals and their face just brightens up, and it really just shows me that God is really good and he just shows people that and he’s like, helping other people and that makes you happy” says Laurel.

Jennifer Icaza-Gast shares that over the years she’s been blessed through her organization by providing a place for families to come and gather on Christmas. She says she finds joy in knowing that a family who may have been alone on Christmas can gather with their community and volunteers and find Christmas Joy. 

Gast shares that they hope to help around 300 families this year and that this year hits a little harder as lots of local families have been hit hard economically.

 The event will take place on Christmas day at the Shawnee Park Center in Cape Girardeau from 11:30 to 1:00pm and will include a free hot meal, free toys, and a photo opportunity with Santa.

Gast shares that the true meaning of Christmas is giving back to others and spreading joy and hope to those who need it and that’s exactly what she hopes to accomplish through Student Santas.

“It’s about, you know, giving something to somebody who can never give you anything in return and honestly, I have been more blessed by this organization” says Gast.

No pre-registration is needed.