Three Santas were among the 250 volunteers who helped 500 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana members celebrate Christmas on Thursday in Merrillville.
“They might not have a very merry Christmas otherwise,” Vice President of Philanthropy Denise Koebcke said.
Boys and Girls Club of Greater NWI member Elyriah, on left, celebrates with a friend after unwrapping a “Stitch” plush during the organization’s annual “Christmas to Remember” event in Merrillville on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)
“This community cares about them,” she said. “It just creates a community that gives kids and parents hope.”
For most of the kids, there were more presents Thursday than they could expect on Christmas morning, President and CEO Mike Jessen said.
Jacob, 11, promised he would make sure Santa’s milk was cold on Christmas Eve and looked forward to Santa eating all the cookies.
“When all the elves come to your house,” he said, is his favorite Christmas memory.
Volunteer Braden McCormick, with Valparaiso University Swim, carries sacks of presents to be distributed to Boys and Girls Club of NWI members during the organization’s “Christmas to Remember” event in Merrillville on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025.
Ayden, 12, enjoys setting up the Christmas tree. On Thursday, Santa and his volunteers gave him a basketball, Rubik’s cube, clothes and other gifts.
Samantha, 8, was likewise thrilled with her presents. “I liked my scarf and my earrings,” she said. She also got a coat, clothes and two Pokémon cards. “They’re rare,” she said.
All the kids enjoyed pizza, as did the volunteers.
The Christmas to Remember event lived up to its billing — for the volunteers as well as the kids.
Boys and Girls Club of Greater NWI member Jacob, on left, talks with Santa during the organization’s annual “Christmas to Remember” event in Merrillville on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)
One of the Santas, Anthony Olivarez, of Valparaiso, brought his fiancée Kathy Siefert, also of Valparaiso, and his daughter Sophia Olivarez, of Valparaiso, to greet the children.
“It’s good to see the happiness they get and all the smiles,” Santa Olivarez said. It’s his second year of volunteering for the event.
“We’ve got the costumes; let’s dress up,” he decided. “They’re always happy to greet us.”
His Mrs.-to-be Claus is in the Christmas spirit.
Volunteer Tiffiney Smith, of East Chicago, smiles as she helps a child unwrap presents during the annual Boys and Girls Club of Greater NWI “Christmas to Remember” event in Merrillville on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)
“I have 10 Christmas trees in the house,” she admitted.
Olivarez and Siefert met through an online dating service, she said. Where else could you arrange a date with Santa?
Sophia was happy to be an elf. “They see elves all the time, and they seem happy,” she said. “I like seeing their eyes light up when they see Santa.”
Maceo Rainey, of Merrillville, was one of the Santas. In his normal persona, he owns the Rainey Center in Gary, a child care provider.
Boys and Girls Club of Greater NWI member Amari reacts as she opens a new winter coat during the organization’s annual “Christmas to Remember” event in Merrillville on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)
Seeing the children’s faces and the generosity of the volunteers reinforced his belief in the future.
“Northwest Indiana is a great place to be a kid. It truly is,” he said.
There are 25 children a day born in Northwest Indiana, Rainey said.
Jill Moranski, of Merrillville, wore a reindeer costume, walking on just two legs.
“I actually don’t have children of my own,” she said, so volunteering was fun. She helped at a gift-wrapping party for the children, too. “I’m glad we go the opportunity,” she said.
Tiffiney Smith, of East Chicago, was a first-time volunteer at the event, seeing the joy it brought the boy she was helping. The digital mini-hoop for playing basketball was his favorite gift, though he also got a handmade scarf, pants, coat and more.
“I don’t ever remember writing a list or anything,” she said. The Boys & Girls Club members who participated in the Christmas to Remember event got at least one gift on their list.
Savana Kolodziej, of Valparaiso, wore a Buddy the Elf costume. “It’s all so magical, walking around and seeing all the kids,” she said. “That’s why I dress up as the elf.”
Kolodziej has worn the costume in downtown Valparaiso. “All the kids started coming up to me and asking for hugs,” she said.
Board member Josh Schoon, of Chesterton, has been a volunteer with the organization for eight years. His wife helps coordinate the shopping and had 50 children’s gifts on her shopping list, he said.
“To see the joy on these kids’ faces, the excitement,” reinforced his commitment, he said.
“It’s about bringing that love and that hope. It’s one of my favorite nights of the year.”
Lisa Schneider, of St. John, accompanied her husband, Michael Schneider, who was dressed as the Grinch. He pretended to try to steal children’s presents, entertaining the kids.
“Many of the kids are doing the heart shape with their hands, showing his heart grew three times as big,” she said.
Jeff Carrico, Meijer’s market director for southeast Chicago and Northwest Indiana, watched the event with a smile. “It brings the youth back in you,” he said. “To see it light up the kids’ faces and bring joy, it’s worth it.”
“It’s a herculean effort to put all of these kids on one place,” Jessen said, but worth the effort. “They’re more excited about the boots, the shoes, the clothes, the coats,” he said, but the children also appreciate the toys.
“It’s like a true, true Christmas,” he said.
Doug Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
