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Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011 | 2 a.m.
It may be hard to imagine anyone affecting the lives of thousands of people in one day — especially if there are no reindeer and elves involved — but one Las Vegas local will secretly spread $1 million worth of holiday cheer Thursday to 2,000 unsuspecting families in need.
United Way of Southern Nevada received the $1 million donation from a Secret Santa to deliver before the holidays, said Cass Palmer, president and CEO of the nonprofit, which provides funds in such areas as education, health and financial stability for those in need.
The Secret Santa is an influential community member who wishes to remain anonymous, said Palmer, who explained “The intent was to not focus on the giver but the gift.”
Along with the $1 million, the donor provided only a few general guidelines for how to distribute the money: “Just give a nice holiday for struggling Nevada families,” Palmer said.
He explained the donor also wanted to make sure that gifts were received in time for the holidays.
The $1 million will be split up into gift cards and given to families, including military reservists, selected by the United Way based on financial need, Palmer said.
The gifts cards can be used on basic necessities like food, diapers and shoes or items for under the tree like a bike or a new book.
“There was a zillion needy and deserving families,” Palmer said “It was a very difficult decision.”
Families know they will be receiving something on Thursday at five regional locations, but they are not sure what exactly, Palmer said.
Though the name of the individual responsible for the million wasn’t released, Palmer said the donor calls Las Vegas home and encourages other community members to give back.
Starting on Thursday anyone wishing to make a donation to United Way to be a Secret Santa too can text “Secret” to 545454 or online at uwsn.org/secretsanta
Awesomeness!
Dear Secret Santa
Thank you soooooo much for your generosity. I have guardianship of my 4 year old Great Grandson and being a mom all over again at 62 (awarded guardianship 2 years ago) can be a struggle at times. He was my God send and I thank Him everyday for blessing me with Michael. I find myself sacrificing so many of the things I need to provide for him but it's been so worth it to see that smile of his. This card will take care of some of the things I have been putting off for him. I tell friends of mine that I may not live long enough to see him married but I hope, with God's help, to be here long enough to see him graduate from school. That means more to me than you can know. I don't know you or if you have family but let me wish you and your's a Very Merry Christmas....God Bless You!!!!
Thank God. Truely, thank God, for the person who feels that they have been blessed so much in their life that they can give a gift of a million dollars with no attention being drawn to themselves and so few rules about the giving. There are big hearts in Las Vegas during these difficult times. These stories are not being played out in every big city in America. This is almost unique to Las Vegas this year.