Wisconsin—On Dec. 1, 2007, Wisconsin Academy (WA) Student Association (SA) officers and a few other students, along with Marcia and Carl Sigler, packed two vans with food and gifts and made their way to the Salvation Army shelter in Madison. It was a very hectic week gathering presents and working around everybody's impossible schedules. With the possibility of a snowstorm, even the program had to be re-worked.

All the food was prepared ahead of time by Sharon Wooten, WA cafeteria director. Upon arrival, students got right to work decorating the shelter with festive tablecloths, napkins and snowman centerpieces. In the back of the room, students placed gifts on a table, set up a tree, strung lights and hung holly. As the families arrived and the children saw the presents, their eyes lit up with wonder.

Students served the families ziti pasta, green beans, breadsticks and salad, with holiday cake for dessert. Lacy Swaningson, a senior and SA spiritual vice president, read a story about a little boy who had been invited to a Christmas party. Gifts were given out at the party, and the little boy had his eye on a beautiful red fire truck. But when his turn came up to receive his gift, he took a doll for his sister who was sick at home.

After the story, "Silent Night" was sung by Allison Hanaway, a senior and SA treasurer; Lisa Cunningham, a senior and yearbook editor-in chief; and Jasmine O'Brion, a senior and SA president. The trio was accompanied on guitars by Peter Gus, a junior, and Enrique Serna III, a junior and SA public relations officer.

During the meal and short program, the children's eyes were constantly being drawn to the table laden with presents. All of a sudden there were bells ringing, and the door flew open welcoming "Santa" (Carl Siegler). The children went crazy with excitement when they realized that "Santa" had brought them presents early this year. Each child was given a book specific to their age. The fun for the WA students came as they watched the children's faces light up and their eyes sparkle.

One little girl, a year old, wanted to see "Santa" up close. She slowly approached him, her eyes growing larger with each step. Then, ever so slowly, she reached out her chubby little hand and took his finger. What a rewarding experience for "Santa."

Tears welled up in the eyes of some of the students as they realized that through all the hardships of everyday survival they could give these children a little happiness. The blessings of that day were not just given to families, but to the WA students who were able to participate in this very special event.

Jasmine O'Brion, president, Wisconsin Academy Student Association