BY KATHY WILLIAMS

HERALD DEMOCRAT

On Thanksgiving day, we invited readers to play Santa to local non-profit agencies through our annual Christmas Wish List program. Now on Christmas day, the Herald Democrat is happy to report that you acted in both the Christian and holiday spirit of the season and reached out your hands to those in need.

Sandy Barber, executive director of the Fannin County Children's Center, said her agencies wishes were well filled. She said the newspaper's annual wish-filling campaign does more for her agency than bring in gifts in the holiday season.

"We can't say that it was the Wish List program alone that brought in all the presents," Barber said. "But we had a wonderful turnout. In these economic times we were worried about that. But we have people tell us all the time that it is just by having our name mentioned in the paper, that it keeps us in their minds when they decided to volunteer."

Barber said that in her role as director of an agency that serves families in trouble. It's good to know about other resources.

"I love to read the wish lists of the other agencies, so I can see what other agencies' needs are," Barber said. "And I like to see the new ones that are printed, so I can find resources to refer families to. And people see our name and mission and then they know who to call if they need a Sunday school program or a speaker for an organization."

She said she is so often heartened by the generosity people show toward the children served by the Center.

"One day a little, elderly man came in and asked very quietly if he could speak to me for 'just a minute or two.' And he came in and gave me an envelope that I didn't look at while he was there. When he left, I opened the envelope and it contained a check for $15,000.

"I found his phone number and a little later in the day I called him and thanked him and asked him how he learned about us. He said he first read about us in the newspaper and later someone came to his church and spoke about us."

Barber said she always tries to get her list in early because they wrap presents for all the families.

"The CASA volunteers took presents to their kids last week, so we have to allow time for people to respond and then to wrap the presents," she said. "Of course, the things that come in later, we can always use for emergency situations."

Tammy McNew-Blanton, chief executive officer of Girls Inc., was on the fly, standing in the middle of dozens of girls and boys caroling, when she answered our question of whether her wishes were filled.

"Oh, yes, we got a lot of stuff," Blanton said as the flurry of children rushed out the door and climbed on the bus. Evidently the carolers had many stops on their route. "Toilet paper, glue sticks, all kinds of crafts supplies ..." And out the door she went, smiling as her young charges sang their way onto the bus.

Nancy Russell, community services liaison for Home Hospice of Grayson County, said patients were warmed by the generosity of wish granters in many ways.

"It was a really great response," Russell said. "We took out gifts to every patient, each one got a box of candy and homemade afghan or shawl. They got a Christmas mug, and people brought by enough packets of hot chocolate that most of them got that too.

"People brought in sacks of food. It was a good response. We didn't get too much, just the right amount. I think people really look forward to reading the Christmas wish lists every year."

Jeannie Horn, director of Four Rivers Outreach, a faith-based program of services to those who grapple with addiction, said her agency has gotten a wonderful response from its wish list.

"The response has been very, very good," Horn said. "People told us that they read about our need, just the stuff that we need every day, nothing big. The community is just such a good supporter."

Horn said she and her husband Arthur are having a fun time helping those with substance abuse problems learn new skills to turn their lives around. She said Four Rivers had a Christmas banquet last week and 200 people showed up. Santa came as well, with a large bag of toys supplied by the Cowboy Church."

Linda Bryant, chief executive officer of Greater Texoma Health Clinic, found a wish list-related story rather humorous. The Clinic's list was published Dec. 16, so that hasn't allowed a lot of time for people to fill those wishes. She said one day last week, someone came by from the Sherman Boys and Girls Club. She said he told her he had seen the Clinic's list and thinks someone delivered those items to the Club. They arranged the transfer back.

Vicky Penn, development director at North Texas Youth Connection, a shelter for abused and homeless children as well as an outreach program for counseling at-risk families and youth, said one generous person delivered an exciting present.

"Someone donated a Wii and accessories and games. It's a Wii Fit physical activity set," Penn said.

She added that children got some random gifts, but that the agency can always use more.

"The main thing that they still need is coats, gloves and hats. They also could use undergarments and socks, which all have to be new, and we are almost out of them," Penn said.

Every agency contacted said people gave generously this year.