Helping hands: GCCC inmates contribute to Mat-Su Special Santa program

WASILLA — The Mat-Su Special Santa Program started in 1997 with 90 children receiving gifts. Last Christmas the program brought toys, winter wear, books, sporting equipment and blankets to over 3250 Valley children from 1104 families. Now in its 20th year the program has given gifts to over 31,000 children in the Valley. Special Santa is under the umbrella of Alaska Family Services, a 501c3 Non-Profit Charity. The program is partners with Toys for Tots and the Valley Salvation Army.

From the very beginning, 20 years ago, the local prisons have donated to the Mat-Su Special Santa Program. In the early years they donated money from their very meager earnings and had the nurse shop for them. For many years they have been making wooden cars. And now for the past two years Goose Creek Correctional Center inmates create masterpieces for the children that receive gifts from Special Santa.