To help create some Christmas magic, one local man set up shop in Boise to help families in need with some holiday gifts.
On Monday, Mark VanDamme hosted his first annual Loved Ones Lost Memorial toy drive for the homeless
VanDamme dressed up as Santa Claus and spent time on Christmas Eve giving out some special gifts to families who needed some holiday help.
His goal was to put a smile on as many faces as possible.
VanDamme says he knows the holidays can be a tough time for some families, so he decided to set up a Santa Claus booth off Americana Boulevard in Boise where he could give out gifts.
VanDamme went out and bought dozens of gifts, and the community also pitched in and donated others.
The Santa suited man says he hopes he and the community helped make Christmas special for kids in need.
"I am so grateful for the people that helped for the people that donated money and donated presents," said VanDamme. "We are down here to have fun and hopefully to make people smile and to give a little bit back.”
VanDamme says he is planning on holding his event in Boise every Christmas Eve.