Santa's Secret Hands Completes $30K EC Christmas Project For 2016: Open Thank You Letter From Organization

The Edmonson Voice received this letter from Mark Wardlow, coordinator of Santa's Secret Hands on behalf of the entire organization. We are proud to publish this letter and offer our own thanks to this wonderful cause.

Dear Edmonson County and all who helped our cause in 2016:​
Santa Secret Hands had a very good year, and as always, the county came together for a local charity that benefits the children and people of Edmonson County. A few of us met last week at Carnival Shoe Store in Bowling Green and purchased over 200 pair of shoes. Carnival has been giving us great deals for 12 years now and we can't thank them enough for all their support and wonderful discounts. A little over $4,500 was spent at Carnival.

On Sunday, Dec. 4th we had our big shopping day, where 70+ people showed up to shop and volunteer to load all the bags full of clothes, coats, toys, etc. The total that night was $25,570.98. Over a 4-day span, there was a little over $30,000 spent on residents of Edmonson County. Not bad for a little charity in a small county. All of this wouldn not be possible without the continuing support from our local businesses and individuals.

Whether it was a monetary donation or you donated something for our auction, we can not thank you enough. There is a lot of work that goes into this every year, so without all the volunteers this charity simply would not, and could not happen.

"Santa's Secret Hands Helpers" were all smiles as they helped with shopping.

​We were very pleased to see some of our younger residents get involved this year. Big thanks to the members of the Girls Middle School basketball team who showed up to shop and also a very big thanks to coaches and members of the Edmonson County Boys Baseball who were waiting for us in Brownsville to unload all the bags and then helped to place all other items like shoes and additional toys in each bag. They all made our night much easier.

Another big thanks goes to Shane Elmore who donated the Old School Activity Center, as its the only place big enough to store all our bags before delivery.

On Monday, Dec. 5th bags were handed out to Lifeskills, Community Action, and Community Center Day Care. Later that afternoon, 49 families came to the Activity Center to pick up their items.

​Everyone at Santa Secret Hands is very appreciative of all the volunteer and help we received this year. Hopefully with all the support we have received this will keep going for many years to come.

Sincerely, 
Everyone at Santa's Secret Hands