Once in a while, jolly ol’ Saint Nick might like to wash down his cookies with a cold one rather than a glass of milk.

All day this Saturday, the public has a chance to play Santa to Cape Coral children in need and in return, can enjoy a beer on the house.

Big Storm Brewing Co. in the South Cape are partnering with the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral to host a toy drive to benefit the Cape Coral Caring Center. Anyone (over the age of 21, of course) who brings in a toy will have the pour of his or her choice from any one of Big Storm’s “core” selections.

“At Big Storm, we believe in giving back to the community. It’s part of our DNA,” said Big Storm General Manager John Schroeder.  “It’s why we’ve supported (many non-profit local organizations) and countless other groups.  This is our home and if we have the opportunity to help others, we want to try and do our part.”

Schroeder said a beer in exchange for making a child’s holiday season bright is a small token in comparison to its impact, and is a way to show their appreciation for a selfless act.

“We wanted to get our customers involved as well.  Plus, we know they care about this community as much as we do,” Schroeder said. “So as a way for us to say thank you to our customers who are helping us make a difference this holiday season, we decided to offer a Big Storm beer to those who bring in a toy.”

Big Storm said they chose the Cape Coral Caring Center because they wanted to have a direct influence on the Cape Coral community. 

“There are many worthwhile organizations and causes, but one of the things that we really liked about the Cape Coral Caring Center is by working with them, the toys we collected would stay here in our home and help the kids that live here,” Schroeder said. 

Organizers are looking for age-appropriate toys for children ages 2 to 10. Big Storm has a list of recommended toys on their Cape Coral Taproom Facebook Page.

Big Storm Brewing is at 4721 S.E. 10th Place and is accepting donations Saturday, Dec. 12, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

— Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj