South County Secret Santa

Amy Parker started the Senior Secret Santa program during the 2020 COVID lockdown and had 98 senior recipients that first year. Christmas had special meaning to her because it was her mother’s favorite holiday and she was the reason that Parker started it. The program has expanded to more senior’s receiving gifts and as of last year over 200 received gift bags.

Because of new members, as of 2024 the Yachats Lions became involved in the program and with Lion Candi Claussen’s help we have fully taken the service program. The newly renamed South County Secret Santa program is intended to bring joy to those that may otherwise not receive a gift during the holidays OR just need a little smile. Fundraising is done by hosting several Bunco Nights at the Yachats Lions as well as the main fundraiser of a two-day Holiday Craft Bazaar on the last weekend of November at the Yachats Lions Hall.

Much like the Lunch Bunch the program has been expanded to include more than seniors and the nominations for people to receive a gift will be able to be done by completing a form or calling in the information from mid-November to mid-December. Each gift bag includes a handmade item, a personal product, something to eat and drink, and a “comfort” product like slipper socks. Community support, our Elves, is critical to assembling and delivering these gifts in December.