Mat-Su Special Santa Program making a list and checking it twice

PALMER — Christmas Day is fast approaching, and Santa's workshop is buzzing with activity. Community minded elves are busily preparing gifts for upwards of 3,000 local families in need through Mat-Su Special Santa Program.

Households that sign up for the program receive bags for each of their children that are tailored around their interests. Each bag contains numerous toys, books, and stocking stuffers. Blankets, coats, hats and other helpful items are also given out upon request.

There are no formal requirements for receiving assistance. Mat-Su Special Santa

Program Manager Vicky McKenney said that any local family that needs help is encouraged to reach out.

"We're trying to help anybody who needs help with Christmas," McKenney said.

The Mat-Su Special Santa Program is the main Christmas gift distribution center in the Valley. They work with partners such as the Toys for Tots program to help as many local families as possible during the holiday season.

Each year, local volunteers utilize a temporary space as a staging area for all the donated items. Volunteers are using the old Profiles of Excellence building in downtown Palmer as this year's staging area. McKenny noted that they also have five storage locations this season.

"It's a pretty big production," McKenney said.

Mat-Su Special Santa has about 40 volunteers onsite from 10 to 6 Monday through Saturday, according to McKenney. She said that local school groups and various others come in to help out in various ways.

Special Santa assistant program manager Desiree Medina said it's a lot of hard work but seeing positive impact makes it all worth while.

"It makes me feel super happy and grateful i'm able to give back to the community. To just be a part of that is amazing," Medina said.

McKenney said that businesses and organizations across the Valley support the Special Santa Program through annual drives and other means.

"They surprise us and bless us beyond belief," McKenney said.

There's currently over 2,500 families signed up for the Special Santa Program this year, according to volunteer Dee Chasse. She said they serve an average of 3,000 households and they're on track to reach that range again this year. She said the need for assistance has continued to increase over the years.

"I think a lot of people are struggling," Chasse said. "For a lot of folks, this is what they count on to get their kids' gifts for Christmas."

McKenny said that overall donations are lower than usual while the cost of toys has gone up.

"It's been kind of tough for us," McKenney said.

The Special Santa raises funds throughout thr year with events such as Halloween Hollow and the Festival of Trees.

"Now it's very important for us to fundraise to keep doing the work we're doing," McKenney said.

Households signed up for Special Santa pick up bags on designated days leading up to Chirstmas. Dec. 18, 19, and 20 are drop in days where any family that hasn't signed up yet can enroll for gift assistance.

For more information, visit specialsanta.net.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com