Once finals are over, many University students will head home for the holidays. But for those who will be in Eugene over the break, many organizations around town are planning events to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Whether they’re hoping to receive every Harry Potter action figure or the keys to a new BMW convertible, people can make their wishes known to Santa Claus at local malls.
Valley River Center’s Santa Claus is available Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. According to Amy Bresler, the mall’s marketing manager, $1 of the cost from every picture taken with Santa goes to benefit the Start Making A Reader Today program.
Santa Claus will also hear gift requests at Gateway Mall. According to Dawn Champoux, marketing director for Gateway Mall, he is available Monday through Thursday from 1 to 8 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Valley River Center also offers the McDonald’s Reading Circle on Saturdays and Sundays at noon and 1 p.m., Bresler said. The reading circle features local celebrities, including Duck football coach Mike Bellotti reading traditional Christmas stories. The program runs Dec. 8-9 and 15-16 and is free of charge. Both Santa Claus and the McDonald’s Reading Circle are located in Valley River Center’s Bon Court.
For those interested in a Jewish celebration, Temple Beth Israel of Eugene is sponsoring a Hanukkah Fair on Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair, at 42 W. 25th Avenue, will feature food, crafts for children, and vendors.
St. Thomas More University Parish in the University’s Newman Center sponsors an annual food drive for the community. Stefani Catone, pastoral associate, said The Giving Tree Project drive benefits social service organizations and individual families. This year, those organizations include St. Vincent de Paul, Sponors, ECCares, Murnane Mutual Home and St. John Bosco, Catone said. The Giving Tree lasts Dec. 2 to Dec. 13, and donations include food and basic necessities, such as toiletries or blankets. Volunteers sort food, set up food stations, load boxes and distribute those boxes to families, Catone said. She added that the Newman Center helped more than 140 families last year and predicts it will aid about 150 this year. To donate or volunteer, call 343-7021.
Saturday Market is also getting into the spirit of the season with the Holiday Market in the Exhibit Hall at the Lane County Fairgrounds. According to Beth Little, the general manager, there will be live entertainment, food and gifts, and organizers expect more than 250 vendors.
The market runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 8-9, 15-16, and 21-24. On Dec. 24, the market will close at 4 p.m., Little said. Admission and parking are free.