MONROE, Utah – Santa left the reindeer at home Thursday for a special delivery in Sevier County. Monroe Elementary received book, school supplies and, of course, toys.
“It’s really nice of him to come help our school and give us supplies,” says Monroe Elementary student Karson Hunt.
The delivery is made by plane. It’s a project coordinated by Utah Angel Flight West, a non-profit group that provides medical transport for needy families.
“10 years ago we started Santa Flight,” says Angel Flight Wing Leader Steve Bollinger. The group finds a rural school or an Indian tribe in need, and gives them things they may not be able to afford.
“One of the main things we bring is reading books,” says Bollinger. “The teachers just love to get those reading books.”
Salt Lake-area Boy Scouts head up collection of the supplies and toys. This year they transported 5,000 pounds of supplies. They also raised $1,000 for the school.
“I’m not sure they fully understand what the Scouts did for us,” says Monroe Elementary’s principal Ted Chappell. “Once they start receiving the items, I think they’ll be excited for it also.”
But the group also attempts to bring a little holiday cheer. Hundreds of kids greeted Santa and the pilots at the airport. Amid cheers, singing, and hugs.
For more information on the Angel Flight program, visit www.angelflightwest.org.
