Santa was at Bishop High School in the “Badger Den” Thursday evening, 17 December, when the residents of Bishop rallied to help their neighbors who were displaced by the recent apartment fire in Bishop and lost possessions, but were, fortunately, not injured. Santa saw piles of clothing, home appliances, furniture, video equipment and toys. He saw tables full of baked goods and plates of food and drinks, and donated raffle items for sale. He saw many volunteers helping organize, carry, sort, serve, and provide entertainment to make the event a success. Santa heard there were folks from Alice and Corpus Christi there to help because they cared; he knows that the American Red Cross, Bishop churches, folks at the Celanese facility, and more have donated to the fire victims.

But, what Santa really saw as he watched the steady stream of givers and helpers was that neighbors, friends and volunteers were giving the greatest gift that a person could possibly give; the gift of self. From the first volunteer fire fighter who arrived to fight the fire to the last person who closed the Badger Den and everyone in between who gave of their time to help those who suffered losses from this “Almost Christmas” fire, Santa hopes their hearts will be filled with the joy of the Christmas season because of the wonderful gift they gave others.

Santa was ready for Christmas and wishes that each of us always remember what the greatest gift truly is; yourself.

Sarah Simon - “Santa”