ELKHART — Job loss, an ailing economy and rising prices add up to trouble for struggling families, especially in Elkhart County where many were hard hit by recent layoffs. But one group wants to make sure tough times don't dampen Christmas.

Santa’s Pantry lets people trade or swap items online for free.

“Everybody has something at home that they really don't want or don't have a use for anymore, but it’s still in good condition," said Debbie Micola of Santa’s Pantry.

With the computerized trading system, shoppers can register and post items online and receive credit, or Santa Bucks.

“They accumulate the Santa Bucks and then they can trade their items for something that someone else has," Micola explained. "So, that way they're not having to spend money for Christmas; but they can still put a gift under the tree."

They hope the program will help families with tight budgets to make buying gifts a little easier this year.

She says she has already heard from several people in the area who are interested in the program, including some in the Nappanee and Wakarusa area who lost their jobs at Monaco Coach, and some in Elkhart who are struggling financially.

One of those is Judy Hopke of Elkhart.

“My husband has been cut back to four days a week and I think this program would be excellent, in a ways, to helping out with Christmas," she said. "And other items in my house — sometimes we just need to re-decorate, and we could swap out items."

For more information on Santa's Pantry, click on the link in the Related Content box.