NILES — Santa Claus takes many forms in the Niles community.

While they may not have a sleigh or reindeer, members of student-run Brandywine Key Club decided to spread some Christmas cheer by collecting donations to purchase stuffed animals for children whose families cannot afford gifts to put under the tree. 

Brandywine High School librarian Morgan Bailey came up with the idea after recognizing a need in her community.

“I have seen through the grapevine how many kids don’t get to have gifts,” Bailey said. “I wanted to do something special.”

Bailey also works as an independent consultant for Scentsy, an Idaho-based candle warmer company that also sells stuffed animals called “Buddies.” The limited-edition toys come in a variety of forms, from whales and foxes to bears and cats. The toys cost between $25 to $35 apiece, and hold a scent pack zippered into their back.

Bailey thought the stuffed “Buddies” would make a perfect gift for children at Brandywine and Merritt Elementary schools, who might not otherwise receive a gift for Christmas.

Bailey suggested to the Brandywine Key Club that they advertise to have members of the community donate money to buy the stuffed animals. The project was dubbed “Buddies for Bobcats.”

Brandywine Key Club president Wesley Watson, 18, said club members were happy to help with the project, and began putting up posters around the school and posting the information on social media.

Watson said key club members did not want a child to go without a gift this Christmas.

“I have always had a good Christmas,” Watson said. “I can’t imagine how it would feel to not get toys and I would never want a kid to feel like that.”

When the word got out, the community responded and seemed eager to help. Enough money was donated for 24 stuffed animals to be purchased. Bailey contacted Merritt and Brandywine Elementary schools and spoke with the offices to determine which students most needed the gifts.

Next week, the Brandywine Key Club plans to distribute the stuffed animals. Twelve of the stuffed animals will be delivered to each Merritt and Brandywine Elementary schools. 

Bailey said she was proud to see the Brandywine Key Club and the community step up to support the project.

“It feels amazing,” Bailey said. “I had personal family friends, people in the community, even a couple of local businesses who said ‘we want to help so that kids get gifts.’”

The Brandywine Key Club formed this semester and has about 30 students from the high school participating. The service organization is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Niles/Southwest Michigan.

Watson said “Buddies for Bobcats” is just one way they intend to lend a hand.   

“So, our mission is to give back to our community and help out,” Watson said.

During the Thanksgiving holiday, the club also helped to create food baskets for families in need.

Watson is not sure what the club’s next project will be, but said he will be on the lookout for ways to help his community next.