Silver Valley Civitan Project Santa brings warm Christmas Spirit

{Contributed photos/Andrew Coppley: Rev. Brad Treece, president of the Silver Valley Civitan Club, and Santa Michael Hussey}

The 2022 Silver Valley Civitan Project Santa finished the 56th edition on the coldest recorded Christmas Eve in the area. With the temperature at six degrees and the wind chill at minus two, Santa’s elves gathered mid morning Christmas Eve to make their rounds.

Project Santa is the signature service project of the Silver Valley Civitan Club. Members, former members, family, friends and neighbors along with donors contributed generously of their time and resources. The joy that comes from giving is their reward.

Rev. Brad Treece, president of the Silver Valley Civitan Club stated, “Through Project Santa, We are blessed in being part of the Season’s Blessings to our community. The Civitan hope is for a better world, Project Santa 2022 helps us bring hope for a better community. Project Santa has allowed Civitan to show a heart of love for our neighbors.”

Families received their gifts at the Silver Valley Fire Department on Christmas Eve without need to leave their vehicles. Fruit bags were personally and safely delivered to homes of seniors as were gifts to people with disabilities.

The Silver Valley Fire Department and an associated family were particularly generous with the adoption of several families providing numerous gifts.

The estimated value of all gifts distributed in 2022 is estimated at $22,000, the most ever. More than 50 volunteers provided a total exceeding 450 hours of service.

The community and surrounding areas were generous with support including assistance from churches, the school, the fire department, businesses and individuals.

On Christmas Eve families began arriving at the Silver Valley Fire Department well before the appointed time to be greeted by Santa and his elves. Saint Nicholas at the fire station was Michael Hussey.

Forty-four households, including 24 homes of seniors, received bountiful food donations. Approximately 3,600 pounds of food was distributed.

The students of Silver Valley Elementary School continued a tradition that began in 1994 of gathering food. The students, faculty and staff contributed 862 non- perishable items to be distributed in the community.

Eighteen people with special needs were visited with gifts by Kris Kringle. The man in red was Davis Tucker. Also receiving cards were 32 residents of six group homes including those by The Arc of Davidson County and The Workshop of Davidson, Inc.

The Silver Valley Civitan Club spent over $6,600. Donated items had an estimated value exceeding $15,500.

Major monetary contributors included the United Methodist Churches of Pleasant Grove (of Old US Highway 64) and Piney Grove along with New Jerusalem Reformed Church.

The overall coordinator for Civitan Project Santa Claus was Brigade Commander and Chief Elf Joyce Parrish assisted by Gary Arnold. The Brigade was divided into teams. Team captains were Chris Hughes-list, Harold Parrish-visitation, Joyce Hughes-clothing & toys, John Hughes-food & fruit and Peggy Harrison-people with special needs and cards.

The club estimates that Civitan Project Santa in 56 years has served more than 4,700 children, 2,100 families and delivered food to more than 1,000 households.

Project Santa is the largest continuous service project of the Silver Valley Civitan Club.