City hall looked like Santa's workshop last week while it served as the collection point for Elysian's Giving Tree. Chamber member, Pat Nusbaum, serves as coordinator for the annual holiday project.
Secret Santas spread community cheer
Thinking of others is what the holidays is all about. If there was an award for the community that sets the best example of the spirit of Christmas, Elysian would win.
The town is home to a legion of Secret Santas. Their mission: make the holidays brighter for people in their community.
Every year, the Elysian Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Giving Tree. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, City Hall serves as Secret Santa Central where an evergreen tree stands in the council room. Instead of decorations, its boughs are filled with gift tags spelling out the wishes of area residents and families.
Santas stop in and select a tag, then go about their mission, secretly shopping, making, baking, and creating a mountain of gifts and goodies so that all those holiday wishes come true.
Chamber member, Pat Nusbaum, coordinates the project and delivers gifts throughout the community in time for Christmas. This year, hundreds of gifts went out to approximately 60 individuals.
The Giving Tree brings joy and a little magic and mystery to the holidays because the shoppers don’t know who they are doing things for and the recipients don’t know their Secret Santa.
But there’s one thing everyone knows for sure – Elysian is a town that lives the true meaning of Christmas.
