Young girl honours brother by hosting toy drive for Santas Anonymous

A young Regina girl and her mom are hosting their third annual toy drive for Santas Anonymous.

Harlee Polasek and her mom Christine are trying to collect as many toys as they can to help children in need.

Christine said eight-year-old Harlee does this in honour of her brother, Max, who died three years ago.

“He was two years old when he was diagnosed with a rare metabolic disease called Gaucher Disease and he passed away just nine days after his second birthday,” Christine told Monday’s Greg Morgan Morning Show.

Christine also said Harlee does this as a way to celebrate her brother every year at Christmas.

“I remember his beautiful smile and his joy and laughter and love he brought to the world,” Harlee said.

Christine added the toy drive originally started as Harlee wanting to give away her toys to those who were less fortunate.

“We started to talk about different options about how we can give to people who are less fortunate,” she said.

Christine added that the first year, Harlee sold a lot of her toys to make money for Santas Anonymous.

“Each year, she just continues with new ideas,” she said. “This year, she’s all about asking what kind of jobs she can do to earn money.”

Harlee said while she is not sure how many toys she has so far, she does have a lot. She also said how people can help her campaign.

“They could donate toys or money,” Harlee said.

To help Harlee, her friend Olivia raised $126 at a lemonade stand and craft sale for her Santas Anonymous campaign.

Christine said she’s proud of her daughter.

“It’s amazing to see her excitement every year. Her excitement and enthusiasm to help people who are less fortunate is just admirable,” Christine said. “It just makes my heart happy.”

Anyone interested in making a donation can contact Christine by email (Christine.polasek@gmail.com).

This is the last week to drop off toys for Santas Anonymous at donation bins around the city. The bins are to be collected on Dec. 12.