“Santa’s Secrets and Silver Angels” again offer an opportunity to help make Christmas brighter

What started over 25 years ago as a way for the Hughes Springs Chamber of Commerce to help needy children have an enjoyable Christmas has blossomed into a community service for needy children and seniors.

Once again, the “Santa’s Secrets and Silver Angels Tree” will be up at City Hall beginning Nov. 21. The children range in age from 0-18, and must attend Hughes Springs Schools if they are school age. The Silver Angels are residents of Theron Grainger or The Springs nursing homes who do not have family that visits and brings gifts on holidays.

The whole process is a community effort. From getting children registered, to receiving donations, the large undertaking involves all facets of the community. Teachers see a child in need, and then report that to the school contact for Santa’s Secrets, which is typically the counselor. The counselor then works to identify other children in the family, and contacts parents to make sure they do not mind their children being on the tree. Information for all children that live in the household who fit the age requirements are then put on the tree. Information that is on the cards includes the child’s number, age, clothing sizes, and a few “wants” the child has. If there are multiple children for one family, each has the same number, with a notation of A, B, et cetera, so that all families are kept together.

The names have been gathered, the cards have been filled out, and they have been hung on the tree in City Hall. Now, the city is asking for help from the rest of the community. Come by, and pick put a card for a needy child or senior. Although you do not have to purchase each item on the card, the city does have a couple of simple requests. “We would like for them to purchase at least one outfit, and then if possible, one of the “want” items. We would ask that those wanting to help not take multiple cards and only purchase one item from each card,” says Kim Laigle, who is one of the event coordinators. All gifts that are purchased need to be wrapped, labeled with the child’s number, and returned with the card. “We ask that you circle the purchased items and return the card with the gifts, so we do not duplicate them,” says Mrs. Laigle. All gifts need to be returned to City Hall by Dec. 12.

Once all cards are returned, Mrs. Laigle and Glenda Russell will take the leftover cards and purchase items for those children and seniors, as well. “There will be no one left out. Everyone will get something,” says Mrs. Laigle. “We have a fund set up at First National Bank of Hughes Springs, the “Santa’s Secrets, Silver Angels Fund,” that we carry over from year to year that assists in making sure no one is left out,” added Mrs. Laigle.

Anyone who has questions about the “Santa’s Secrets and Silver Angels Tree” may contact Mrs. Laigle at 903-639-7519, or simply come by City Hall to pick up a card or two. “It is a lot of fun, and very gratifying, but a lot of work,” said Mrs. Laigle.