Students turn quilt into Christmas

Santa's elves come in many sizes. Mrs. Holcomb's first- and second-grade students from Talkeetna Elementary took a story by Jeff Brumbeau titled, "The Quilt Maker's Gift," combined it with their understanding of the true meaning of Christmas, and created a masterpiece.

These students, along with Mrs. Holcomb and April Moore, worked relentlessly to craft a baby quilt to donate to the Special Santa program for an infant who needs a little extra love and warmth this holiday season.

Mari Jo Parks, the program coordinator, will be presenting the quilt to the child born closest to Christmas.

"It has touched the lives of not only the children who made it but has spread the Christmas spirit far and wide," Parks said.

The Special Santa program, working with Toys for Tots, has been collecting, sorting and packaging presents.

This year the program has more than 2,300 children who will receive gifts. Thanks to the Special Santas, the elves and the many volunteers, these children who may not have had much of a Christmas will be given the ultimate gift this year -- the gift of sharing, of love and the spirit of Christmas.