Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Santa to the Villages Program

As some of you know I was lucky enough to participate in the Santa to the Villages Program (STV) this past Christmas.  This program has been going for over 30 years.  In the early part of December a USCG helicopter is loaded with presents and stockings filled with little goodies and a apple and a orange.  Hand knitted hats, scarves, and mittens are loaded on a helio along with a few elves and Santa Clause.  These presents are then taken out to remote villages that you can only get to by flying or by boat.The Spouses Association runs this program, but we would not be able to do it without the help of so many people from all over the United Sates.  Many women knit scarves, gloves, and hats for the children.  Books are collected and donated and the spouses have a auction every year to raise funds to buy presents and fruits to give out.  There is months of prep work for this program.  And it was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life.  To fly over a village and see so many children waiting out in the cold and sometimes snow, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa is incredible.  To watch them charge to Santa with these great big smiles, squealing with excitement could melt the Grinch's cold heart. They get the most joy out of getting a present and the fruit and picking out the knit ware and books.  I love this program with or without riding a helio.  I hope to participate in this program for a very long time.

2 comments:

  1. What a wonderful program, so great you can participate!

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  2. Wonderful program, and it warms your heart to see the kids enjoying the season!

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