STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Now that Santa has had time to kick his feet up and take inventory following his busy Christmas Eve trip around the world, it turns out that his Secret Santa Fund in the Wood River Valley has exceeded expectations.

So far, generous contributors from throughout the Wood River Valley have contributed $11,225 to the Blaine County Education Foundation. Among them, one very generous donor who contributed $2,500.

The BCEF has spent the year purchasing laptops and other things students need to keep up with school when school is half online. But the Secret Santa Fund helped purchase other necessities to make students’ lives a little brighter, including snow pants, gloves, diapers and baby formula for teen parents attending Silver Creek High School and even school pictures.

Director Kristy Heitzman received a few requests for toys, which she accommodated with the Secret Santa Fund, as well.

“No need to say how happy I am that Kristy will be able to help so many kids this coming year!!!” said Marie Gallo, who shepherded the project this year. “I am always so AMAZED by the generosity of the people in this valley. We DO make a difference to so many families and children. And I hope 2021 will be a good year for us all.”

To learn more about the Blaine County Education Foundation, visit https://www.supportbcef.org.