You may be struggling through financial hardship or living in temporary lodging this holiday, but Santa Claus is still coming to town. At least that’s the message that Value Place, the economy extended-stay lodging chain, hopes to deliver to children in American Fork this Christmas.

The American Fork property located at 57 North 900 West is conducting a two-tiered yuletide effort this season, serving as a collection site for the local Toys for Tots drive and separately purchasing toys to deliver to children whose families are lodging there over the holidays.

Value Place has been accepting charitable gifts for several weeks now, and will accept donations for the Toys for Tots drive through Friday, Dec. 21st. Additionally, Santa will be stopping by with a sleigh full of presents on Dec. 21, making the season all the more joyful for children staying at the property by unwrapping a new doll, game or toy.

Involvement with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys For Tots program began several years ago when Value Place’s corporately owned properties set out to adopt a charity to support during the holiday season. Although properties were free to choose from several approved charities, Toys for Tots quickly emerged as the most popular. Moved by the spirit of the program, staff in the company’s Wichita headquarters decided to raise money to buy toys for the children in its area properties. The effort was so popular with staff and guests that the company decided to institute it at all 74 locations managed by its Value Place Property Management subsidiary and recommended it to its franchise locations this year.

“As a seasonal charity, Toys for Tots resonates well with both our staff and our guests,” says David Redfern, President of Value Place Property Management. It’s a great way to give back to our community, make our guests feel a little more like they’re at home, and show them how much we want to make their time with us as pleasant and memorable as possible.”

Gifts can be dropped off at Value Place’s front desk from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Friday, Dec. 21st. For more information, contact Value Place at 801-492-1600. For general information about Value Place, visit ValuePlace.com.

Danny Crivello can be reached at crivello@citizen.af, via text at 801-477-6397 or on Twitter.

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