October 16, 2025

Holiday Cheer in Asheville with Teddy Bear Giveaways and Santa Visits

Asheville, October 16, 2025

News Summary

Asheville is filled with holiday spirit as local businesses and community members engage in festive activities, including teddy bear giveaways for children and visits from ‘Appalachian Santa.’ Tonia and Alan Sheppard organized a giveaway at Johnston Elementary School, distributing teddy bears while promoting literacy and math skills among students. Meanwhile, Blake Ellege, a longtime Santa performer, spreads joy through various community events and supports families in need via his nonprofit. Local toy shops also see a rise in shoppers, all contributing to a vibrant holiday atmosphere.

Asheville is buzzing with holiday cheer as local businesses engage the community through festive activities, primarily focused on teddy bear giveaways and Santa visits. Initiatives spearheaded by Tonia and Alan Sheppard of Alan’s Jewelry and Pawn and Blake Ellege, known as “Appalachian Santa,” are aimed at bringing smiles to the faces of children and families.

The Sheppards, champions of community involvement, organized a free teddy bear giveaway at Johnston Elementary School for kindergarten students. A total of 45 teddy bears were distributed, and each child received a smaller bear to assist with homework. The initiative encourages kids to read to their bears and engage in basic math lessons while fostering creativity through decorating their bears with T-shirts and fabric markers. This event is part of a long-standing tradition the Sheppards have maintained for several years with the school.

In another festive endeavor, Blake Ellege brings joy to children as “Appalachian Santa.” Ellege has been sponsoring visits for over a decade, inspired by a memorable encounter with a young boy experiencing the joy of Christmas. Now, his efforts include tree lightings, visits to nursing homes, and special appearances at local events, such as the Tanger Outlets Asheville. Ellege dedicates considerable time during the holiday season, working long hours from the day after Halloween until December 23 to spread holiday cheer.

With a background in performance and necessary certifications related to portraying Santa, Ellege ensures professionalism, including background checks and insurance. He is often accompanied by his wife dressed as Mrs. Claus, enhancing the overall experience. Importantly, the revenue from Ellege’s Santa engagements supports his nonprofit organization, The Gifts of St. Nicholas Foundation, dedicated to providing toys and stuffed animals to families in need, particularly those affected by disasters.

Ellege recently addressed the impact of Tropical Storm Helene on local families, noting an increase in requests from children for basic necessities during the holiday season. A social media project contrasting images of him as Santa with storm damage garnered attention, delivering a powerful message of hope.

Meanwhile, local toy stores in Asheville are witnessing a surge in popularity, especially among young adults. Sarah Evers, co-owner of Dancing Bear Toys, highlighted that trendy surprise packs containing collectible toys have driven this interest. Older shoppers are also attracted to toy stores due to nostalgic toys reminding them of their childhood. This trend is evident across various shops in Asheville, including Curio and O.P. Taylor’s, despite challenges such as crime and competition from online retailers. Strong community support and a unique shopping experience continue to sustain these local businesses.

This year, popular toys in these stores include Legos, stuffed animals, fidget toys, Calico Critters, and the new Bitzee electronic pets. Local toy stores also actively participate in community outreach and various charitable initiatives, enhancing their connection with the community.

In addition to these local efforts, the Asheville Media Group has launched the Santa Pal Toy Drive, which runs from December 2 to December 11, collecting new, unwrapped toys, coats, and blankets for children aged 2-12. Community members are encouraged to drop off donations at designated locations throughout the area, reinforcing a spirit of giving during the holiday season.

FAQ

What is the teddy bear giveaway event organized by the Sheppards?

The Sheppards hosted a free teddy bear giveaway for children at Johnston Elementary School in Asheville, gifting teddy bears to each kindergarten student, along with T-shirts and fabric markers for decorating the bears.

What role does Blake Ellege play in the community during the holidays?

Blake Ellege, known as “Appalachian Santa,” has been bringing holiday cheer to children for over a decade through visits, tree lightings, and community events, while also running a nonprofit supporting families in need.

What is the Santa Pal Toy Drive?

The Santa Pal Toy Drive, organized by the Asheville Media Group, runs from December 2 to December 11, aiming to collect new, unwrapped toys, coats, and blankets for children aged 2-12.

Key Features

Feature	Details
Teddy Bear Giveaway	45 teddy bears given to kindergarten students at Johnston Elementary School, encouraging reading and math.
Blake Ellege’s Santa Visits	Over a decade of community engagement including visits, tree lightings, and a nonprofit foundation for families in need.
Increased Toy Store Shoppers	Local stores see a rise in young adult and nostalgic shoppers, with popular toys like Legos and Bitzee pets.
Santa Pal Toy Drive	Collects toys, coats, and blankets for children 2-12 from December 2 to December 11.