GIFTS FOR SINGLE MOMS.

Byline: Kathleen Sweeney Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - Santa and his elves spent Saturday wrapping presents for Santa Clarita Valley single mothers and their families.

The Santa Clarita Jaycees and members of the Canyon High School Key Club and Santa Clarita Senior Center wrapped gifts donated by local businesses and the community.

``It's going to be a lot of fun,'' Justin Kenyon, Jaycees member and studio representative, said before the work began. ``You get that warm fuzzy feeling going.''

The organization placed about 35 boxes at various businesses throughout the community for people to donate gifts to the families of the Single Mothers Outreach Program, he said. Some businesses have offered gift certificates, money and even passes to Six Flags Magic Mountain to help the families in need this holiday season.

Several Santas and elves will deliver the gifts to about 30 families, but all the presents must be wrapped before.

``We are really looking forward to it,'' Kenyon said. ``We've had such a great response from everyone we've contacted.''

The public was invited to help Saturday, and has two more chances when the group gathers again from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday or at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 19.

For information, call [phone].

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(1 -- 2) The Santa Clarita Jaycees, along with members of the Canyon High School Key Club and Santa Clarita Senior Center, collected donated gifts from throughout the valley for the Single Mothers Outreach Program. At left, Key Club members wrap some of the 300 gifts they received from businesses and individuals. Key Club member Sommer Brown, above, carries wrapped presents to be sorted for delivery.

David R. Crane/Staff Photographer