Now that the Christmas rush is over, as a resident of Newman and a volunteer for the Toys for Tots program, I would like to say a special thanks to some special angels who made this program possible. Many people have no idea what it takes to put on this event....with the actual planning, organizing, placement of trees, coordinating the toys that arrive, scheduling Santa trips to stores to take care of kids who did not get a tag taken off the tree, scheduling routes and finally welcoming all the Santas who help deliver the toys and food.

That angel is Patty Novoa. My hat goes off to her; she earned her wings a long time ago. Along with Patty, wings are on the shoulders of Kathy and Joe Evans, who organize and coordinate the hundreds of bags of food that are distributed. Without the skills and dedication of these three people, the programs would not take place. I know they all appreciate the countless volunteers who complete the program and the hard work they do during the week to get where they are on Saturday, ready for delivery.

So Patty, Kathy, Joe and all the volunteers...consider yourselves hugged by one of your appreciative volunteers.

Phyllis Peavler

Newman