Dear Editor,
The whirlwind of the holidays has passed but not my gratitude to all those who made a big event during the season happen.
Once again, the Barnwell area and community has shown what a great heart it has through its participation in the Secret Santa program.
Although the Rotary Club of Barnwell County organizes the event each year, it wouldn't happen without the numerous and often nameless help and support of those people who shopped - often out of their own pockets - for gifts for the less fortunate children of the county.
Thank you to all the businesses - too many to name - that aided with the season's endeavor through contributions, gift donations or the participation of your employees as "Secret Santas."
Thanks also are in order for those who worked "behind the scenes" to handle the logistics of this project as well.
A big note of appreciation is also needed to an integral part of the Secret Santa program - the local office of the Department of Social Services who processed the applications for the needy children and provided our Secret Santas with the wish lists of these children.
To all of you I say - yours, truly, is an example of the Christmas spirit and may it bless you throughout the New Year!
Sincerely,

Rhonda McElveen,
Secret Santa Elf
Rotary Club
of Barnwell County