The gym of Lincoln Elementary School was full of excitement, gifts and Christmas cheer Dec. 20 as students' Christmas wishes were granted.

Utah Central Credit Union employees brought gifts for all 520 students in the school, which has become a tradition over the past 10 years.

In late October students made an ornament requesting a need, which included essentials such as shoes, socks, pillows or school supplies, and a want. Trees with the ornaments on them were placed in Utah Central Credit Union locations around the Salt Lake Valley. Customers and employees were invited to choose an ornament and bring the items to the credit union to deliver.

Sandy Boyack, a Utah Central employee, has been a participant in the Christmas Wishes program ever since it started. She enjoys watching students' reaction to their presents.

"I (love) seeing the kids open their gifts. They get so excited about little things we take for granted," she said.

Excitement among the students was high. Brenda Martinez, 7, was overjoyed about her new Pound Puppy that she named Spot.

"I always wanted a dog," she said, giving Spot a big hug. "I love dogs."

Next to Martinez, Gloria Pana, 6, kept her arms tightly around a bag with Barbie memorabilia. Daria Wing, 7, was ecstatic about her Little Mermaid game and a new fleece outfit. She was touched to receive gifts from someone she didn't know.

"I want to try to do something for them sometime when I can," she said.

Sharon Moore, a kindergarten teacher at Lincoln, said she had a difficult time getting some of her students to come up with a need for themselves. Some of them said things their parents or siblings needed.

"I'm going to cry. The kids are so excited. The smiles on the kids' faces are priceless," she said. "Sainthood should be awarded to everyone here. I think this is great."

Angie Fonua, the family intervention assistant for Lincoln, said the celebration holds special significance for her. Several of her children have attended the school. One year her family was in need because her husband had been laid off from his job, and there wasn't going to be much money for Christmas. Having gifts distributed at school really helped.

"As a parent, I can't believe they went out of their way to provide for my children," she said. "For our kids, it means so much.... A lot of kids don't just ask for toys, they ask for what they need."

Mark Young, now executive vice-president at Utah Central, started the program 10 years ago because he wanted to do something to help Lincoln Elementary. He initially hoped to provide gifts for 100 children, but when he discovered the widespread need at the Title 1 school, he pledged to help every student.

Brett Blackburn, Utah Central Credit Union CEO, said the Christmas program is positive for the school.

"I'm amazed at the things the students say they need and want. It's really touching when students say they want shoes but they need them for their sister," he said. "I think it's important that kids should get toys (for Christmas)."

---

E-mail: twalquist@desnews.com