NORTH FORK – Christmas was a little brighter this year for some Madera County Mountain Community children thanks to the efforts of Red Barn Coffee Co. and the North Fork Boosters.
The Red Barn Coffee Co. and the North Fork Boosters sponsored a Santa “wish list” giveaway to benefit some children that otherwise may not have had a present under their Christmas tree.
On Dec. 4th Santa visited the Red Barn Coffee Co drive through to surprise the children and ask them for their wish list for Christmas presents.
The children were there to participate in the annual Christmas tree lighting festivities held each year by the North Fork Boosters/Chamber of Commerce.
It was extra exciting for the children to have Santa present as they enjoyed hot chocolate and the lighting of the town Christmas tree.
Santa received over 50 wish lists from the children and set out to make the wishes of the children come true.
The Red Barn and the Boosters set out on a fund raising campaign to raise the funds to fulfill the wishes of these children.
With generous donations from the following companies, Johns Crane Service, Optimum Air Conditioning, Mountain Home Health Care, South Fork Forest Solutions, and the North Fork Rancheria as well as Brownrigg Tire, College Planning and Tutorial Center of Fresno they were able to purchase one gift from each of their lists.
On Dec. 23rd Santa set up shop at the North Fork Town Hall to personally hand out the gifts to the children.
It was important that Santa himself was present to personally hand out all gifts to each child and family.
Santa scheduled all the kids in 15 minute increments so every child had time to spend with Santa and to adhere to Covid 19 protocols.
Both Lisa Saroyan of the Red Barn Coffee Co. and Cathey Thornburg of the North Fork Boosters/Chamber want to thank all of the sponsors and volunteers that made this Christmas very special for than 50 children.
They also would like to remind the community that this will be an annual event to coincide with the community tree lighting so keep an eye out for next years Santa visit.
