LAGO VISTA—It turned out to be a very merry Christmas for 100 families within the North Shore district thanks to the efforts of Lago Vista Blue Santa.
Diane Hagan and Tracy Shortnacy started the program 21 years ago in order to help families in Lago Vista who otherwise may not celebrate the holidays.
“We wanted a way to reach people within our own city who needed help,” Hagan said. “Austin and surrounding cities already had their own programs set up. We felt we needed one just specific to help our own. The people of Lago Vista really know how to come through and help others.”
Hagan and Shortmacy have watched the program grow over the past 21 years, reaching an all-time high 75 volunteers and 50 vehicles delivering this holiday season.
“The support from this community is tremendous,” Hagan said. “We couldn’t do any of this without the generosity of our citizens either through donations or volunteer work. Every year, I am amazed at how much more Lago Vista can deliver in the time of giving to those less fortunate.”
Blue Santa collection tins were placed at area schools, Lago Vista City Hall, the Lago Vista Police Department, Super S Foods and Dollar General. Blue Santa delivered toys, gift cards, personal items, clothing and household goods. Each family received predetermined gifts along with a complete Christmas dinner.
“We received 100 requests from families ranging to infants to senior citizens,” Hagan said. “We then matched up the requests based on what we collected or used the cash contributions to purchase the items we didn’t have on stock.”
Many Blue Santa volunteers have been working for the program so long, they cannot remember a time when there wasn’t such a program in Lago Vista. It has been a staple here as long as the traditional lighting of Dawn Drive and continues to support families in Jonestown, Point Venture and Lago Vista for years to come, supporters say.
“All of us involved in this program from first graders to senior citizens feel it is our duty to give back to others, especially during the holiday season,” Hagan said. “This has been a tradition within many families for a long time. I look forward to continuing this for many more years.”