LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bex Willenbrink isn’t only surrounded by gifts. She's up to her elbows in good deeds.

What You Need To Know

  • St. Vincent de Paul is preparing for its 28th annual Santa Shop, set for Dec. 15 

  • The organization collects and distributes gifts to Jefferson County families

  • Donations are made by area churches, businesses and individuals

  • Family signups happen every fall 

Willenbrink catalogued each gift as St. Vincent de Paul prepared for its 28th annual Santa Shop. For months, the organization has been collecting presents for Jefferson County families. Pre-registered families will collect the gifts in December.

"I’ve been talking to moms just desperate to give their kids a Christmas," Willenbrink said. "So many people don’t understand that." 

The Santa Shop, which is set for Dec. 15, collects gifts for children up to 17 years old. Donations are made by individuals, area churches and businesses.

“We already have over 1,000 children registered," St. Vincent de Paul CEO Jennifer Clark said. "So all of those families will be coming, staggered at different times to come shop. Everybody leaves with a bag of toys and clothes for each of their children." 

Check out St. Vincent de Paul's website for more info on the longtime holiday tradition. 

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