Santa Paws and his helpers have dusted off their elf slippers and are hard at work preparing for Oregon Coast Humane Society’s Christmas Store. The annual event is a Florence favorite and runs from Tues., Nov. 1, through Nov. 30, or until the elves run out of merchandise. 

This year’s Christmas Store is located at 1179 Bay Street, next to the OCHS Thrift Shop, and open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Our community supporters are incredibly generous, and the quality of Christmas donations is exceptional. We’ve been saving them all year to prepare for this special event and can’t wait for the shoppers to see what the elves have in store for them,” said OCHS Executive Director Elizabeth Thompson.

There is certainly no shortage of Christmas merchandise this year, according to Christmas Store Chair Shauna Robbers. “We have enough merchandise to fill the store four times over. Expect new products to be added daily,” she said.

Holiday shoppers will be greeted on opening day by one of Santa’s furry helpers to thank them for their purchases that help wagging tails. Photos with Santa are also planned at locations throughout Florence, including the OCHS shelter at 2840 Rhododendron Drive.

A schedule of events will be posted on the website and Facebook pages for the thrift shop and the shelter, and Thompson encourages local businesses or organizations that can host an event to contact her directly.

The Christmas Store is run entirely on volunteer power, so all proceeds go directly to the care of the animals at the shelter. A giving tree will also be available for community members who wish to buy gifts for shelter residents. There are still volunteer opportunities available at the Christmas Store, and donations of holiday items and general merchandise are accepted year-round during regular thrift shop hours. Call 541-997-5705 for more information.

Oregon Coast Humane Society is a nonprofit, limited-intake shelter that promotes a lifetime commitment to pets. Visit us online at oregoncoasthumanesociety.org or call 541-997-4277.