Volunteer Testimonials

"This program fills a need..."

Letter from Linda W

My name is Linda Wingeier, and this is my second year participating in the program. I really enjoyed the event and the time shared with the young ladies. It is enlightening to me that they shop for basic necessities such as hair products, dental hygiene products, and even deodorant. Most spend their designated money on other family members or gifts for their friends. The students are grateful for the opportunity to give to others and express sincere excitement about spending their money on others.

However, many students become anxious about not spending their money wisely and are worried about going over their allowed amount. This program serves and fills a great need for many who would otherwise go without during the holiday season. I am proud to be a small part of the Blue Santa program and look forward to participating again this coming year.

"I was that person myself, years ago."

Letter from Lucille C

My name is Lucille Collins, and this is my first year doing Blue Santa. It was a blessing to be able to help this year. I was partnered up with a young gentleman who decided to use his allowance money to buy groceries for himself and his family. He also bought cleaning supplies and household necessities. At the end of the shopping trip, he bought cookies because he kept a running total to ensure he would not go over budget.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience for me, because I was that person myself years ago when I had my kids. I hope I have the opportunity to do it again this upcoming year. I think this program truly is a wonderful program that helps meet the needs of everyone in the community.

“...you are going shopping with Blue Santa.”

Letter from Eliana N

Every year, students wait impatiently for me to tell them, “You have been nominated for Blue Santa.” Fairview Jr High nominates between 15 and 20 students every year, and almost every single student gets the privilege to shop at Walmart. One of my joys is to deliver the message, “You are going shopping with Blue Santa.” Students get so excited that almost every day they come to my classroom to ask, “Ms., can I buy clothes? Ms., can I buy food?”

Every year, there is always a story that impacts me. One year, a student spent most of her budget on food. It was important for her to feed their siblings. The student did not have an easy family story, but Blue Santa made her Christmas that year.

Last year, a student was excited to get Blue Bell ice cream because he had never had it before. Students buy simple things like a bag of chips, a pair of pants, a Christmas sweater, or earrings for mom because she never gets a gift for Christmas.

This program means a lot to our students and community. Thank you again for all you do.

"It has come full circle in my life..."

Letter from Alvin PD

I am a Police Officer with the Alvin ISD Police Department, and I am submitting this letter regarding my personal feelings and involvement with the Blue Santa Program. As a child, I grew up less than fortunate, and my mother worked hard to make sure we had food on the table and clothes on our backs. More often than not, there was no room for anything extra.

One year, while in elementary school, I was chosen to be a recipient of the Blue Santa shopping program. I will never forget how excited I felt and how important it was for me to buy something for my two sisters and my mother for Christmas that year. I don't recall making any purchases for myself.

As an adult, and now a Police Officer myself, I was asked last year to volunteer my time to shop with a child during the Blue Santa event. The young lady I was assigned to shop with was very sweet and very excited. As we walked the aisles of Walmart, she picked out a couple of small items for a younger sibling and then spent the rest on new clothes for herself because the ones she was wearing did not fit properly. We ended up spending over her limit, and I paid the difference because I couldn't help feeling emotional about how, what seems not so long ago, I was that young lady and how thrilled I was to get new things for the people I loved.

I truly feel that the Blue Santa Program is a much-needed program. It also holds a special place in my heart because it has come full circle in my life.