Krispy Kremes to Christmas dreams

PALMER — The Mat-Su Special Santa program is an annual part of the learning for students in the Palmer Jr. Middle School’s Leadership Class.

This year, the 35 students in the class organized a two-part effort to benefit Special Santa. First students sold Krispy Kreme Doughnuts as a fundraiser, then they took their earnings and went shopping with Mat-Su Special Santa’s Chief Elf Organizer, Mari Jo Parks.

Parks said there was something extra special about seeing a group of teens going to such lengths to help other children share in the joy of Christmas. She asked students to write notes to her describing how it felt Dec. 10 to be part of Special Santa. Students used words like wonderful, priceless, magnificent and amazing to describe the experience.

“Special Santa is a great program,” said eighth-grader Rhiannon Carter. “It makes sure that kids can get Christmas even if their parents can’t afford it.”

Other students said their feet, back and legs were tired, but that their hearts and spirits felt great from working so hard to help other kids have a special Christmas.

Eighth-grader Sidney Richards said volunteering at the Special Santa Workshop in Palmer brought a smile to her heart and face.

“Helping with the Special Santa program makes me happy to know that even more children will be on Christmas morning,” she said.

Students said they liked knowing that their efforts in the classroom also were helping build their community.

Student Kiley Fish said she and her grandmother have volunteered with the Special Santa program for several years. It’s a tradition she said she plans to continue.

“I will come back every year and help. It means a lot to me knowing I’m helping others. It’s such a great program,” Fish said.

The Palmer students credited the Special Santa experience with opening their eyes to the reality that some families in the Valley can’t afford to participate in Christmas.

“I really enjoyed helping with Special Santa,” said student Maddy Douglas. “I felt really good doing this for the kids and helping the parents that weren’t able to buy presents.”

Contact Heather A. Resz at 352-2268 or heather.resz@frontiersman.com.