The holiday season is quickly approaching—a time of joy, reflection and giving back. For many children, it’s a season filled with wonder, lights and magical family traditions. But for some families, the holidays can be a reminder of what they lack. At Child Saving Institute (CSI), we work year-round to ensure that every child feels the love, support and hope they deserve, and during the holidays, that mission comes alive through our Substitute Santa Toy Drive.

This year, as we celebrate the generosity of our community, we want to highlight someone whose heart for giving perfectly embodies the spirit of the season: Cassy Tusa, a Scheels employee and CSI Guild member. Cassy’s journey with CSI began in a hands-on way, volunteering at Substitute Santa shortly after stepping into her role in Community Outreach at Scheels.

“I think I was very fortunate as a child growing up. I got to grow up with love and support, and a lot of the kids that get support from CSI are growing up on survival,” Cassy reflected. Those early experiences shaped her deep empathy for children and families who face challenges she never knew as a child. “You realize as you get older that your parents are the ones who make Christmas magical for you, and not everyone’s parents are able to do that,” she said. That realization became her entry point into volunteering — and eventually a long-term commitment to CSI’s mission.

What began as a volunteer experience quickly became a passion. Cassy spent days tagging, sorting and preparing gifts for children, and each year she returned with increasing dedication. “I just got hooked on the feeling of giving back,” she said. The joy of seeing the impact on children’s lives quickly turned volunteering into a meaningful holiday tradition. “Volunteering and being involved in your community is super good for your mental health,” Cassy explained. “It just makes me feel good.”

The people and culture at CSI also drew Cassy in deeper. “I wanted to spend more time and be able to continue to make an impact year-round versus just for the holidays,” she shared. That desire to make a difference year-round led her to join the CSI Guild, where she now plays an active role in supporting programs, fundraising and community engagement. Her commitment grew further when she stepped into a leadership role as chair of PurseOnalities, one of CSI’s most cherished events. Through these roles, Cassy continues to advance CSI’s mission, connecting our work with the heart of the community.

Scheels’ partnership with CSI is equally inspiring. As a retailer, Scheels goes beyond traditional giving — they immerse themselves in the community and foster authentic connections. From the Giving Tree at Omaha Scheels to sponsoring Substitute Santa and other events throughout the year, Scheels shows what it means to lead with generosity. “It’s uncommon for retailers of our size to be this involved,” Cassy explained. “We’re proud to lead by example and inspire others to join us.” Cassy said. Her pride in Scheels’ commitment reflects the way giving back is woven into everything they do.

“For a lot of people, the holidays are just a reminder of the family they don’t have or the presents they can’t afford. We just want to make it so that as many people as possible can feel the joy of the holidays.”

We’re proud to partner with Scheels, but the beauty of Substitute Santa is that anyone can be part of the joy. There are multiple ways to get involved and make a meaningful impact this holiday season:

 

• • Shop our wish list and donate a toy to the Substitute Santa Toy Drive.
  • Visit Omaha Scheels to select items from the Giving Tree. Bring your tag to the register and let Scheels handle the rest!
  • Organize a company or team donation drive to gather toys and essentials for children in need.
  • Share CSI’s posts on social media to raise awareness, even if you’re unable to give financially.
  • Make a monetary gift to support children and families throughout the year.

Every gift, every hour volunteered and every act of kindness contributes to the magic of the holidays for children who need it most. Through partnerships like Scheels and the dedication of volunteers like Cassy, CSI is able to ensure that the holidays are a season of hope, joy and belonging for all the children we serve.

As the season approaches, we invite our community to join us in this mission. Together, hand in hand, build brighter futures.