At the Lehighton Area School Board meeting Monday evening, Gretchen Laviolette reported that this year marked the 25th year that Lehighton Area School District Holiday Educare Program helped to make the Christmas season brighter for struggling families throughout the district.

"It is an honor to be considered the 'chair' of this program," said Laviolette. "However, it truly is a team effort."In addition to serving as chairperson of the program, Laviolette is a math teacher at Lehighton Area High School."It is amazing what we can accomplish in such a short amount of time each year," she added.The annual program kicks off in October with the first committee meeting. Members reach out to district personnel, activity groups, and other outside friends and businesses for monetary donations. School counselors contact recommended families to determine who will be serviced.Volunteers shop for deals until just a few days before Christmas. Packages are then collected at individual schools and transferred to Lehighton Area Middle School prior to the last day of classes before the Christmas break.On Christmas Eve, nine Santas and their helpers loaded up their sleighs. Each group then ventured out to deliver gifts to 114 children in 46 families with hopes of spreading Christmas cheer.This year, Santa's helpers included Monroe and Nan Cressley; James and Tami Cunfer; Ken and Beth Hudlow; Jeff Kirsch, Mr. and Mrs. Todd Serfass, and Chad Serfass; Chuck, Gretchen, and Gina Laviolette; Melvin Muffley and Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Troutman; Bob and Tonia Schaeffer; Tom and Wendy Williams; and Jon and Amanda Yenser.Laviolette recognized and thanked "Santa's special elves" John Lopata and Jake Molchany.LASD Holiday Educare Program officially formed in 1989 to help struggling families districtwide. Prior to that time, teachers, administrators, counselors, and staff had been helping children and their families either privately or on an individual building level for many years.Laviolette shared with the school board a note from an anonymous parent that stated in part, " … OMG thank you sooo (sic) much. The kids were so happy. That really brightened our Christmas. Thank you again and have a very Merry Christmas!"In addition to the faculty, administration, and support staff throughout the entire school district, Laviolette thanked the following for their contributions and support: Gloria Bowman; Hugh Dugan; First Presbyterian Church; Franklin Township Athletic Association; LAHS National Honor Society; LAMS PTO; Neil Millheim; R.F. Ohl Fuel; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Reilly; Saint Matthew's Lutheran Church; and attorney William G. Schwab."I lack the words to creatively say how appreciative I am to be a part of this organization our district and Holiday Educare," Laviolette said in summing up, "and to have the opportunity to work with such devoted people."For more information about the Lehighton Area School District, visit

www.Lehighton.org or call 610-377-4490.