[LNP | LancasterOnline] Columbia United Methodist Church hosts annual Secret Santa event

For Jim Walk, playing Santa Claus at Columbia United Methodist Church's annual Secret Santa shopping event is a matter of family tradition.

"When my dad was alive, when I was a younger kid, he used to play Santa," at other events, said Walk, 68. "My sisters are saying 'Wow, you're taking over for dad.' So here I am, like, 'Dad, this is for you!'"

Walk and Mrs. Claus — played by fellow Columbia resident Sally Draper, 75 — were two of the roughly 30 volunteers who set up the church for the event, during which children can pick out holiday gifts. Organizers expected up to 100 kids to participate.

"You got games, stuffed animals, matchbox cars, I mean, pretty much everything," said Tom Grubbs, who has been the church's pastor for eight years.

Volunteers guided children through the options as their families waited in another room. Kids were allowed to choose as many gifts as they desired, with each priced at an affordable $1.50. Volunteers also wrapped each present.

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