Nine-year-old donates toys for Santas Anonymous in memory of her brother

For the past four years, Harlee Polasek has been giving toys to kids who might not see them under the Christmas tree.

Now nine years old, Polasek began fundraising and donating toys to 980 CJME’s Santas Anonymous after her younger brother Max passed away.

Polasek’s mom, Christine, said this is just another way to help out people who need it.

“The first year that we celebrated Christmas without him, she wanted to do something in honour of him and to remember him and keep his memory alive,” Christine said.

“She wanted to help families that were less fortunate than ours, and we came up with this idea as a way of supporting others.”

Harlee Polasek with her toy donation pile from 2022. (Christine Polasek/Submitted)

The mother-daughter duo spoke with Greg Morgan on Wednesday about how much they have raised over the years.

Each year, Christine puts out a call for toys on her Facebook page. Harlee said a mix of friends, family and strangers have donated to the program.

Last year, Harlee got $3,650 in donations. This year, Harlee has already collected a Rubbermaid bin of toys, and $736 in donations has been collected.

Donations are to end by Dec. 11.

Christine said she is incredibly proud of her daughter for fundraising each year.

“It makes my heart happy,” Christine said. “This year she has really gone above and beyond to raise money herself.”

Find out how to donate to 980 CJME’s Santas Anonymous here.

Nine-year-old Harlee Polasek in front of the 980 CJME Santas Anonymous van. (Christine Polasek/Submitted)