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LLI GOLINE/NORMAN WELLS - They say it is better to give than to receive and in Norman Wells two mysterious donors are taking that message to heart. The couple is ensuring children under 10 receive a gift this Christmas with some help from the Northern Store.

Cayden Lennie fishes for a present at the Northern Store in Norman Wells. A couple of "secret santas" have provided gifts and healthy food items for every child under 10 in Norman Wells this year. - photo courtesy of Dee Opperman

Northern Store manager Dee Opperman said this is the second year her store has partnered with the anonymous couple to give gifts and healthy food items to children. In 2007 the gifts were limited to children ages five and under. This year children 10 and under receive a small toy and a healthy food item when they come to the store.

"All they have to do is come to the store and we pass them out on behalf of this donor," said Opperman.

She said news of the gifts have been spreading by word-of-mouth around town. Cashiers at the store have been letting parents know about the free presents, which are given out in the days leading up to Christmas.

The gifts are modest but they are still a treat for any child.

"There are toy trucks for the boys and little toy make-up kits for the girls," said Opperman.

She said one of the two secret santas picks out all the gifts herself.

"This is what they do instead of giving gifts to people," said Opperman.

News/North spoke with one of the two gift givers who asked not to be identified. She and her husband, who are both in their late 50s, do this because they feel Christmas should be for the children.

"I do it mostly for all the children," she said.

She said it makes her feel good to know that so many kids get such enjoyment from the gifts.

"In Norman wells alone we have 300 children five or under, and this year there will be more than that," she said.

The secret santa said she does not work full time but she still managed to save some money from babysitting throughout the year to pay for the gifts.

"I saved all my babysitting money and it went right back to the children," she said.

There were two other donors who contributed money as well.

The secret santa said she could not have done this without the help of Northern Store staff who spread the word and pass out the gifts.

"Their workload is big right about now," said the donor. "I used to work with them so I know what it is like," she said.

While she doesn't want her name released, she said she hopes people in other communities catch the holiday spirit after learning about what she and her husband have done.

"Maybe by us doing this other communities will take it up," she said.