Members of the Osoyoos Coyotes were busy serving breakfast as Smitty’s Restaurant during the annual Toys for Tots and Teens event. Coyotes from left are Ryan Roseboom, Colten Braid and Tyler Ostrom. (Richard McGuire photo)
Smitty’s Family Restaurant was still undergoing renovations right up to the moment the doors opened for the 20th annual Toys for Tots and Teens.
That didn’t stop about 250 people from turning up with Christmas gifts for less fortunate children in exchange for a free breakfast.
This is the 20th year the Herle family has run the event. Restaurant owner Wendy Herle, her husband Wilfred and daughter Tammy have organized it each year going back to when they owned the Husky Truck Stop in Osoyoos.
Herle said she’s extremely happy with the restaurant’s renovations and the extra push that workers gave it to be ready on time.
“This year we did a soft opening because we were against the wire and we knew we were going to open for Toys for Tots, because that was our goal,” she said. “All the local people that worked with us (on the renovations) all knew and they moved heaven and earth to make sure it happened. They were awesome.”
Nonetheless, turnout was slightly lower this year than last because with the renovations going on, the Herles didn’t do as much promotion of the event.
But the restaurant was busy the entire morning and often people were lined up at the door.
Beside the entranceway was a Christmas tree stacked high with gifts brought by people coming for breakfast.
“People were very generous,” said Herle. “There were three bicycles. One lady brought in a whole box full of collectable dolls. Unbelievable. That was beautiful… I think a lot of people went all out.”
Items are distributed to families by the Kiwanis Club of Osoyoos.
Many volunteers from the community also came to help out.
Four members of the Osoyoos Coyotes – Aaron Azevedo, Ryan Roseboom, Colten Braid and Tyler Ostrom – helped serve tables.
Members of Kiwanis and the Osoyoos Soroptimists also participated, including Mayor Sue McKortoff, who is also a Soroptimist.
Randy Kassian comes every year to flip bacon and hash browns.
“Our staff love him because he knows what he’s doing and he does a good job,” said Herle, adding that her regular staff are also awesome at the event.
At one point Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance greeting people at every table. Their roles were played by Chad Saunders and Stacy Little.
“I really think this community is an awesome community to live in,” said Herle, adding that in addition to support from local residents, many visiting snowbirds also support the event. “The people and the generosity, I’m overwhelmed by it.”
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
Carol Gabrieu was busy in the kitchen at Smitty’s Restaurant when the recently renovated restaurant reopened for its annual Toys for Tots and Teens event. (Richard McGuire photo)
Osoyoos Coyote Tyler Ostrom served the table of Margaret Chadsey (left) and Carrie Hamm at Smitty’s Restaurant on Friday morning. The restaurant was holding its annual Toys for Tots and Teens event when it offers a free breakfast to those bringing a toy or donation for less fortunate children. (Richard McGuire photo)
Members of the Osoyoos Coyotes were busy serving breakfast as Smitty’s Restaurant during the annual Toys for Tots and Teens event. Coyotes from left are Ryan Roseboom, and Colten Braid. (Richard McGuire photo)
People were lined up for tables at Smitty’s Restaurant on Friday during the annual Toys for Tots and Teens event. The restaurant gave a free breakfast to those bringing toys or donations for less fortunate children. (Richard McGuire photo)
Frosty the Snowman and his elf helper dropped by to Smitty’s Restaurant on Friday during the annual Toys for Tots and Teens event. Frosty was Ken Baker and the elf was Ronda Jahn, both from the Osoyoos Times. (Richard McGuire photo)
Liz Burkhart received greetings from Santa Claus as she ate breakfast at Smitty’s Restaurant during the annual Toys for Tots and Teens event. Santa was played by Chad Saunders. (Richard McGuire photo)
Alleson and Lois Mandziuk received greetings from Santa Claus as they ate breakfast at Smitty’s Restaurant during the annual Toys for Tots and Teens event. Santa was played by Chad Saunders. (Richard McGuire photo)
The current Santa and Mrs. Claus pose for a picture with former Santa Mike de Salaberry and former Mrs. Claus Margaret de Salaberry. The current Santa is played by Chad Saunders and Mrs. Claus is Stacy Little. De Salaberry held the role for about a quarter century. (Richard McGuire photo)
