Valley shares love through 'Mat-Su Special Santa'

PALMER — “What’s next?” asked Izak Smith, waving the wish list at his mom.

A remote control car, Hot Wheels, a winter hat and gloves and a story book, all handpicked by the 5-year-old for a child about his own age who signed up for the Mat-Su Special Santa program.

“What’s next?” he repeated, placing the gift in the box. “I can’t read.”

Izak was at the workshop Thursday with his parents Genea and Zach Smith and his sister Zoe, 2, as part of a service-learning project for his preschool.

Genea Smith said the family has donated gifts to the program before, but this is their first year as volunteers.

As Izak carried the wish list from room to room in the workshop, his mom, along with his teacher Melissa O’Rourke, provided direction and support carrying the box of gifts he’s selected. O’Rourke has been a Special Santa volunteer for years and loves introducing new people to the program.

Although Izak is very young, she said he understands he is helping provide Christmas to another Valley child. She said getting a wish list with a child’s name, age and favorite color makes it real for kids.

Mat-Su Special Santa began in 1997 by providing gifts to about 90 children. Last year, the non-profit shared Christmas with 3,408 Valley kids. In the program’s history, Elf Organizer Mari Jo Parks said more than 25,000 children — ages newborn to 18 — have received two toys or gifts, winter wear (when possible), stocking stuffers and a new book.

The program began as a standalone effort, but has since partnered with the Salvation Army and the Toys for Tots program to expand the reach of all three efforts, Parks said.

The program connects with community members of all ages, she said.

“The ripples have been amazing,” Parks said.

The program ripples into the community through its Angel Tree and Santa Tree programs. Santa Trees were located at Larson Elementary, Pioneer Peak Elementary, Machetanz Elementary, and Academy Charter. They brought in more than 700 toys. Angel Trees were set up at businesses around the Valley, Parks said.

Beth Libbey said she set up an Angel Tree at Country Financial and collected gifts for 100 Valley kids through donations from her customers and friends.

“It’s been our Christmas miracle in this office,” she said.

2014 is the first year the business hosted a tree for the toy drive program. Based on its success, it won’t be the last, Libbey said.

“Maybe we’ll do 150 names next year,” she said.

Libbey said she feels very blessed and this is her opportunity to give back to the community.

Some folks contact Special Santa directly to get wish lists to fill, such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Employees there “adopted” two children this year.

“We always get everything on their wish lists,” said Enterprise employee Cheryl Pursley, while at Santa’s workshop dropping off gifts Thursday.

Parks said the number of children signed up is about the same as last year, but the items on their wish lists seem more basic than fun this year. Gift distribution began Dec. 16 and ends Monday at 4 p.m.

The program is blessed to have broad community support, Parks said. She said support has come from donors large and small. Perhaps none was more heartfelt than the gifts given by the friends and family of Ted Russell Adkins.

Parks said Adkins played Santa in the community for many years and when he passed away this fall, his family asked for donations to Special Santa.

“We got some amazing toys,” Parks said. “It was very touching.”

For more information, contact matsu_santa@yahoo.com.

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