Pictured: Speaker
Chair Shana Fair and Mike Jeffrey, Secret Santa Board member.
Mike
Jeffrey, Secret Santa Board member, stated that the Secret Santa program in
Guernsey County has provided gifts for kids for over 30 years. The program is
completely funded by local community members and businesses. In 2013, Secret
Santa delivered toys to 2700 kids in 800 families.
Jeffrey
explained that the Secret Santa Board and about 15 dedicated volunteers start
from scratch in October and kickoff their fundraising by sending letters to
local businesses. The bulk of their work is done in November and December when
Santa’s volunteers are as busy as elves sorting toys, purchasing toys,
wrapping, tagging and bagging gifts. Everything must be ready by Christmas Eve
so that local fire departments can escort Santa to the children’s homes to
deliver gifts.
The
Secret Santa slogan is “I believe in Santa Claus.” Jeffrey said, ‘You have to
see the “I believe” on the kids’ faces’ when Santa shows up escorted by the
police and various elves, reindeer and snowmen. Santa and his helpers deliver
Christmas packages to the kids on their list and pass out candy and extra
presents to any child in the neighborhood who comes out to see Santa.
When
sign ups for a Secret Santa visits begin, volunteers answer phones M-F from
9:00 am-5:00 pm. Two weeks before Christmas, sign up phone lines are open 24/7.
Calls are taken right up to midnight on Christmas Eve.
The
Secret Santa organization cooperates with the members of the Fire Fighters
Association who help Santa deliver packages on Christmas Eve. They also cross
check their list of children with other organizations such as Child Services,
Shop with a Cop, and the Salvation Army to insure that no child is forgotten.
Donations
are welcome. Toys are fine but money is also needed to insure Santa has enough
age appropriate toys especially for older children. Secret Santa accepts names
of kids up to 18. Eighteen years olds must still be in high school.
The Rotary club meets 7:30 am every
Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road,
Byesville. Everyone interested in giving back to their community is invited to
join. Call Membership Chair Jim Vaughan, 740-432-5605, to learn more about the
club. More information is available at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283
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