December 2020
It takes generous donations from the community and a crew of dedicated volunteers to make sure there are gifts for children in need throughout the area. Santa's crew of helpers gathered around the fireplace at Abide Vineyard Church in Park Rapids on distribution day for Toys for Girls and Boys and Tiny Tots last year.
Father Christmas
Lorie Skarpness/Enterprise
John Zentz embodies spirit of giving
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By Lorie Skarpness lskarpness @parkrapidsenterprise.com
ohn Zentz is 88, and with his white beard, a twinkle in his eye and a hearty laugh closely resembles Santa Claus. He also embodies the spirit of giving at the heart of Christmas. During his retirement years, a plea went out in the Park Rapids Enterprise for someone to take over the toy donation program for area children. John jumped at the chance to make sure every child would have something under the tree on Christmas morning. Three generations of the Zentz family have made that their mission for the past four years. In partnership with his daughter, Tanja Zentz, several grandsons and volunteers from the community, the Toys for Girls and Boys and Tiny Tots program has made Christmas happier for many area families. “All generations learn something when they work together,” Tanya said. “My kids get to hear dad’s stories
Left: John Zentz and his daughter, Tanja Zentz, have been helping bring Christmas cheer to area children through the Toys for Girls and Boys and Tiny Tots program. This year, with a record number of families signing up, they need the community's help to make sure every child receives gifts this Christmas. Enterprise file photo
about how he grew up with so little and that helps my boys appreciate everything they have. It’s very heartwarming to see the values of giving they are learning.” Tanja’s boys – Alex, Kalvin, Remington and Isaac – are in their 20s now and provide help with toy pickup and distribution. John’s wife, Jan, also helps out. “It’s so rewarding to see how much happiness you bring by helping,” John said. “We enjoy it so much. All of the people who donate gifts and money don’t get any credit, but that’s where it really comes from. We’re just agents to pass it on.
We appreciate so much everyone who gives.” John said while out shopping at Northland Lumber recently he was asked if they had enough toys this year. “I said, ‘No, we’re worried,’” he said. “They said they would adopt two or three families and their contractors would help as well. We’d love to have more businesses adopt a family for Christmas. Many businesses aren’t having office parties this year, so maybe this is something they’d like to do. I think that’s the only way we’re going to get enough toys this
ZENTZ: Page 2
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