The Black Diamond Bakery, Leih’s Gifts and The Silver Raven put their heads together this year to figure out what they could do for the needy in their community. It has been a bad year for everyone, lots of family, friends have lost their jobs, and these people would have to drop many Christmas traditions to make it through the season. One of those traditions would be having pictures with Santa and that was one thing the three businesses could make a difference in.

Ads were placed in four local papers, fliers were sent home with students of Black Diamond Elementary and posters were plastered all over Black Diamond. A group from a local church went out to the Green River Gorge to make sure their residents knew about the free pictures with Santa. The response was amazing. Even in the inclement weather and the lack of parking, families came from all around the community to take pictures of their kids with a very real Santa.

Thank you was the response over and over again. The wait was never longer than 20 minutes and the comments from everyone showed their appreciation. They were equally amazed with the decorations. Some said they were better than the decorations at the malls, the line was shorter and Santa was incredible. He spoke with each of the children privately asking them not only what they wanted for Christmas, but also to remind them that the Christmas season was about family and friends and not just the gift under the tree. His pink rosy cheeks and a real beard had the kids in awe.

When Santa first arrived in the building, one little 2-year-old red headed boy named David came racing across the room to hug him at his knees. Another little girl about three joined them while Santa laughed and shook with glee. After a trip through the building to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Santa sat down in one of the really big chairs in the Bakery Coffee Shop, (that had been decorated just for him,) and invited each child to come up and sit on his lap. While they visited, the parents took pictures. Mira Hoke, the manager of the bakery, had her camera available for those that did not have a camera. She will e-mail those pictures to the families within a few days.

Time and time again, special moments filled the room with awe, laughter and tears. One little girl brought a toy advertisement with items circled for both her sister and herself. An 11-year-old girl hugged Santa and told him “I love you”. A couple of really shy kids brought their dogs with them, and they were dressed up as well. And the best of all, an 102-year-old woman sat on Santa’s knee and told him her list was too long to tell him about it.

Santa had such a good time last weekend; he wanted to come back for one more day. On Saturday, Dec. 18, families can once again come down to the Bakery Coffee Shop to take their free picture with a very special Santa. He will be in the building from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Remember to bring your camera and a can or box of food for the local food bank.

Santa and the local Black Diamond businesses wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Leih Mulvihill

Black Diamond City Council member