Sault charity hosts annual Christmas giveaway

Sault's Save Our Young Adults hosts gift exchange Santa Claus traded in his red suit for a purple SOYA sweater on Saturday in Sault Ste. Marie has the group held their annual gift exchange.

It would appear that Santa Claus traded in his red suit for a purple SOYA sweater while in Sault Ste. Marie on Saturday.

The community group Save Our Young Adults (SOYA) held its annual Christmas Giveaway with hundreds from the region in attendance.

The non-profit organization that helps people escape opioid addiction and tries to make sure people have food on the table spent the day making sure that vulnerable members of the community have gifts under the tree on Monday.

Officials with the group told CTV News that all of the holiday presents had been donated by local businesses and community members and then wrapped by volunteers for the event – with more than 300 gifts available for people of all ages.

"There's toys for kids, there's art kits, there's clothing for adults, there's adult games, there's treats, there's personal hygiene, anything you can imagine,” said SOYA founder Connie Raynor.

“It's the best feeling. Santa gets to do it and so does SOYA. It just warms our hearts and everybody is so grateful."

With Saturday also being the last day the group opened its closet to allow community members to browse through donated clothing items to take home volunteers were busy helping visitors find the right fit or the perfect present.

The non-profit is also reminding those in need that they have a local food truck giving out holiday meals on Gore Street on Christmas Day.