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For the first time in the event’s history, the DECA club extended its reach beyond the greater Oconomowoc or Milwaukee areas.

“This is our first time going somewhere else,” said Oconomowoc senior Justine Wood, highlighting the significance of the move.

The change in location was inspired by an Oconomowoc DECA alumna and a connection through Wilson Elementary Principal Ashley Wright’s staff.

“We had no idea that there was a school in Janesville that could really benefit or would love to have us. Would you be interested?” Wright recalled being asked. “And I said, ‘yes.’”

The operation required intricate planning starting back in the summer. The goal was to fulfill a custom wish list for all 230 students. Oconomowoc High School staff, students, and community members “adopted” wish lists, purchasing every specified item.

The sheer volume of gifts for the 230 students required a massive effort for the delivery itself:

About 70 DECA students made the trip.

The presents were transported in two buses, three vans, and a box truck.

Several parents also assisted by bringing their personal vehicles to ensure everything made it to Janesville.

The moment of distribution was a whirlwind of noise, emotion, and holiday chaos. Oconomowoc Mayor Robert Magnus, playing Santa Claus, was a central figure, ringing his brass bell and helping hand out the gifts.

Once the presents were distributed, classrooms erupted in the sound of crinkling paper and cheers. Children immediately began playing with their new items: one boy zoomed a toy car across his desk, while a group huddled excitedly around a new board game.

The gifts, which included both toys and essential items, provided a powerful moment of reflection. While many children cheered for the games and dolls, Magnus, who has played Santa for the event for nearly 20 years, highlighted the joy found in basic necessities.

“I think the most amazing thing is watching kids open boxes. They get new underwear, they get socks, they get just basic things and to see how happy they are,” Magnus said.

The reality of the two types of gifts — wishes versus needs — was captured in one memorable reaction. As one third-grade girl unwrapped her present, her face lit up, only to dim slightly when she realized the final item was a package of underwear. She paused, gave the brightly colored packaging a distinctly sassy side-eyed glance, before quickly moving on to celebrate the toy she had also received.

Wright emphasized the duality of the gifts requested by the children.

“Sleeping bags were a hot ticket item requested on the wish lists. They also got to put down any basic need items, such as clothes or blankets.”

The event was as educational for the high schoolers as it was celebratory for the elementary students.

“We’re so fortunate, and there are a lot of people that aren’t, and this is a great way for our high schoolers to realize that the world is very different in some places,” Magnus concluded.

The principal emphasized that the event ensures “every single student will get to experience” the spirit of Christmas, regardless of their family’s circumstances. In addition to the individualized presents, the Oconomowoc students also donated extra items like books, homemade scarves, and essential products to the school for distribution throughout the year.

“It’s great to just give back to our community in that way, and it’s so cool to see the kids’ reactions,” Oconomowoc junior J.C. Anderson concluded.