Letters to Santa will receive response, gift, visit

The Canyon Lake Family Matters Club is once again bringing Santa to town to visit all those who submit their letters to the club by Dec. 15. The club’s elves were in attendance at the City of Canyon Lake Winter Wonderland Saturday to assist Canyon Lake kids in writing their letters.

Club board member elves Jeannie Hoonnirun and Dawna-Rae Rankins were at the forefront of the Letters to Santa Booth Saturday, participating in the year’s Ugly Sweater Poker Run before moving to the Town Center to assist children in writing the letters.

Canyon Lake children 18 and younger who submitted a letter with their name, age, and address will receive a response from Santa, along with reindeer food to leave out Christmas Eve and a small surprise, delivered to their homes before Christmas. The club will endeavor to fulfill a wish list item or an age-appropriate gift.

Children write their letters to Santa and then drop them in the Santa Mailbox during the City of Canyon Lake Winter Wonderland celebration Saturday. The Canyon Lake Family Matters Club is sponsoring its annual Letters to Santa event, promising children a return letter and gifts delivered to their homes. 

“It’s so nice to watch the kids write their letters to Santa and place them in the Santa mailbox,” Dawn said. “Kids were so excited to finish their letters and place them in the Family Matters mailbox that Santa dropped off.”

Jeannie shared her fondness for the event, noting the thoughtful nature of the children.

“My favorite part was hearing kids say they weren’t sure what to ask for, as some said they had everything they needed and wanted,” she said.

The club expressed gratitude for being one of the recipients of donations from the Poker Run event and gave thanks to its volunteers.

“I would like to thank the Family Matters volunteers for all their help,” Club Founder Shawna Bowen said. “We had a couple snags, but this club pulled together and with the help of the city, we had a nice spot to have kids write their letters. Over 150 kids dropped their letters in the Santa mailbox and those who gave us their addresses, Santa has assured me that they will be getting a letter back from Santa and his elves.”

The Family Matters Club will continue to accept Santa letters at the special mailbox located at 29873 Mayflower Dr. until Dec. 15.

Photos provided by Shawna Bowen

Shawna extended special thanks to Jeannie Hoonnirun, Jan Lowrance-Meyer, Kathy and Brian Wood, Larry Mar, Sandi Humphrey, and Tarrie Sullivan for their invaluable support at the Santa letter table.

Only children in Canyon Lake will have gifts delivered to their doorsteps, while those outside the community will receive a letter and reindeer treat.

Moreover, the club invites children and their parents to a craft and snack day on Dec. 31, at 1:00 p.m. The event, featuring a New Year’s Eve-themed craft, will be held at the Eastport Building at 24331 Canyon Lake Dr. N. This craft is designed to be a fun countdown to the new year, adding to the festive celebrations.