By Reva Rice

Spring is fast approaching, and Springhill Santa is preparing to nourish the hearts, souls and faith through nature’s bounty once again. Santa never forgets the struggle for many in this community is very real.

Many Springhill residents are familiar with the monthly commodity distributions in the area and two free li’l pantries.

Not many in Springhill know what Santa does in his off season … he plays in the dirt for his community. Every year Santa grows vegetable plants to give free for those in the community, encouraging them to grow their own food. He encourages us all to keep the li’l pantries stocked and gives free Bibles to those exploring a new path in life.

Santa is a man of many talents, and he shares his knowledge and heart daily with whoever is in need. He tries to accomplish this through his faith in God on less than a shoestring budget.

He truly believes that if you each/convince a person to put their faith in God and a little dirt, so then their heart, mind and soul are provided for. Yes, Santa loves his dirt and his community.

The term “free,” in the heart of Santa means exactly that, “free.” Santa serious needs help from his elves, aka the community. Planting supplies from pots, seed starting trays, compost, mulch, seeds and, of course, dirt to make the blessings a reality. As we all know, these things are not free.

Santa most welcomes your used items, new items or monetary donations. Santa is used to being on a deadline, with Christmas Eve and all, but he has a small window to get these green babies planted and ready for the community.

The “special part” of Springhill is not a particular thing or place. “Special” is found in its people. The kind and generous people – more often than not –  do not have monetary wealth. They do have a wealth within their hearts that is drawn from life experiences and have a desire to lift another. If you have anything that will help make 2025 a “giving” season with “growth” in our community, thank you!

Springhill Santa can be reached at 318-578-0966 or Springhill Santa Claus on Facebook.