Best Lead

Head: CAPSA holding its gift wrapping fundraiser near Santa Claus

By Judd Workman

Going on 28 years of holding its gift-wrapping fundraiser, the non-profit organization Community Abuse Prevention Service Agency, has a new spot in the Cache Valley Mall.

“This is our longest running tradition,” said Alisa Smith, the event coordinator for CAPSA. “And now we have the perfect spot in the mall.”

By receiving donations in return for wrapping customers Christmas gifts, CAPSA raised just over $10,000 last year — its best year yet.

“All proceeds go toward helping victims of abuse,” said Lisa Royer, a member of the advisory board for CAPSA. “It’s really convenient because you can use a debit or credit card if you need to.”

“The mall donates the space and now we have a great spot right by Santa,” Royer said. “Last year was a great year. I think we raised four to five thousand dollars more than what we estimated, and this year we hope to do even better.”

James Boyd, the marketing director for CAPSA, also said because of its location this year CAPSA could potentially beat the amount it raised last year.

“This is a win-win situation for both CAPSA and the mall,” Boyd said. “The mall helps us decorate and advertise, and CAPSA provides a good public image.”

Some volunteers, like John and Rita Nelson, have been volunteering for roughly 15 years.

“We fully support the mission statement of CAPSA and we love coming back each year,” John Nelson said. 

“Plus we get better and better at wrapping presents,” Rita Nelson added.