Santa’s Market to Bring Christmas Joy to Children

By Mark Requet

  The Shelby County Law Enforcement (Shelbina Police Department, Clarence Police Department and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office) are excited to launch a new community initiative called Santa’s Market. They welcome all residents to come together to ensure that every child in the county experiences the joy of Christmas.

  “I had come up with an idea of wanting to do something for Christmas for families that need basically a hand-up. I talked to a couple pastors around Shelbina, and we came up with the idea of a Santa’s Market,” said Shelbina Police Marshal Jeff Brown. “I knew I needed help with this, so I asked Shelby County Sheriff Arron Fredrickson and Clarence Police Chief Raymond Barton to be involved in the project as well.”

  Santa’s Market will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church of Shelbina. During this event, parents will have the opportunity to shop for gifts for their children in a dignified, affordable way. Prices will be similar to prices at a garage sale. This gives parents the ability to choose gifts they know their children will love and appreciate.

  “Basically, we have asked for donations from businesses in the community, either monetary, lightly used clothing or new clothing for ages ranging from birth to 13 years old, and lightly used or new toys,” said Brown.

  All unused proceeds collected will go directly toward preparing for next year’s Santa’s Market.

  “The event will be right after the Breakfast with Santa at South Shelby, which is open to all Shelby County residents, so we thought we would hold this at this time so parents would have the opportunity to shop while they were already out and about,” added Brown.

  “As of today, we have a ton of items donated and a lot of money donated.”

  Brown has had many people from the Shelbina area come by or stop him out in the community asking about what they could give or help with.

  “Some have given me lightly used bicycles. It’s really been amazing to see. At the end of the day, we are going to give a hand-up to people who need it. We’re not here to make any money, but if we get something at the store for say $20, it will probably be priced at $5-8 at the sale,” stated Brown.

  Brown has had kids come to him asking to get involved. He said they will be there to wrap presents if the parents want their gifts wrapped.

  “One of the local banks in town talked to the parents of the kids wanting to do the wrapping and the employees of the bank have said they will buy all the tape and wrapping paper needed for that day,” said Brown.

  Brown said South Shelby did a drive right before school started and they donated a pickup load of stuff for the event.

  “You don’t really have to give money or anything,” said Brown. “If you’re a business and want to do a toy drive, that would be great too.”

  Brown added that the churches in town have been astounding to work with. To ensure parents can shop without distraction, childcare will be provided during the event at Shelbina Christian Church.

  If making a monetary donation, please make checks payable to: Shelbina Police Department Charity Fund. In the memo, please put Santa’s Market.

  Donation Drop-Off Locations:

• Shelbina Police Department

• Clarence City Hall: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• First Baptist Church of Shelbina: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday-Friday

• Shelby County Sheriff’s Office

  All donations must be received by Saturday, November 1, 2025, to allow time for sorting and preparation. After this date, monetary contributions will be used to fill any remaining needs.

  They welcome volunteers to help with sorting donations, supervising children during the event, and assisting with the operation of Santa’s Market.

  If anyone is interested in volunteering, please let them know.