To the editor:

I would like to commend all the caring people who made Panola County Secret Santa such an overwhelming success this Christmas.  I was fortunate to get to play a small part in the organization and see for myself what wonderful citizens we do have in our county.

The overall effort touched an untold number of lives in so many ways.  It did not matter if you were the giver or the receiver, you were indeed blessed. Many people, even in these hard economic times, opened their wallets and gave money to help make Christmas still the magical time of year it should be for our children. Many people gave their time to shop, sort, and wrap gifts. Even more people delivered or gave their time at pickup points to make sure Santa arrived on time.

It did not matter how you contributed to this gracious cause; you did what you are supposed to do and that is to love one another. It is as simple as that. Even though I did not get to meet many of the recipients, I knew that God’s overwhelming love was being shared throughout the homes this Christmas.  I cannot tell you how much it means to me, especially being a public school teacher, to see our children being taken care of in such a heartfelt way.

Many organizations, individuals, businesses, churches, teams, classes, and clubs stepped up to the plate and not only hit a homerun but gave hope to some families that may have lost faith in mankind. The Department of Human Services also helped in locating and screening families.  Several individuals have expressed how much it meant to their entire family to share what they have with those who are less fortunate.  My prayer is that it will not end with Christmas or the season of giving.  May we all become more aware of the needs within our communities and not pass up the chance to help others in need throughout the year.

Thank you for a wonderful Christmas!

Betty Major Billingsley