Antelope Valley residents have big hearts

Every year, the Walker General Store and their employees have a very important Christmas event with their Giving Tree, but this year it was even more special. With the down economy, there were even more children than usual who could use a little extra for the holiday. Thanks go to Mary Hussman at Antelope Elementary School for gathering the names of those who could use the assistance to have a happier Christmas.

All in all, there were 45 children this year, which is many more than before, who filled out their wish lists and turned them in. Thanks to the generosity of Debie Bush, the Walker General Store and its staff, Mary, the Coleville Boosters, Rick and Mary Hahn, Jean Gerbig and so many others (too many to list), those children's wishes came true.

Each child on the list received three gifts " a toy, a book, and clothing. That made a total of 135 gifts passed out by Santa Butch Smith and his elf, Nissa Chichester, on Christmas Eve day.

Thanks to all of you who made this holiday special for these kids. Please remember that the Giving Tree takes place every year, and be sure to participate next year if you can. It will make Christmas special for a lot of kids and leave you feeling good, too.

We hope everyone enjoyed watching the snowfall on Christmas morning. It was so beautiful, and even for the transplanted San Joaquin Valley person (me), it was very special. I hope all of you got your Christmas wishes and are ready for the New Year.

n Lynne Katusich can be reached at lynnekat@schat.net or (530) 495-2552.