WINNING SPIRIT IN ACTION:
navaJo santa - delivering christmas
They call it Navajo Santa, and its mission is as straight forward as
its name: to provide service and support to the Navajo people
by delivering food, warm clothing, tools, toys and other basic
necessities—Santa style. For Sharyl Noble, the service is more
than just a donation of goods; it’s a gift of love.
“I first went down eleven
years ago as a representative
for Larry H. Miller Charities,”
Sharyl said. “It was an eyeopening experience, to
say the least. We have a
third-world country right in
our own backyard. I was so
moved by the experience,
I asked if I could continue
coming and serving in some
capacity.”
For the last decade, Sharyl has served as an “elf” or helper in
the program. For her, the process starts every year around
August when board members and “elves” visit the reservation
and conduct interviews with families and tribal leaders to
assess the needs of the
community. Later, with the
help of volunteers interested
in donating time, money or
supplies, they collect the
needed items and return
again in December to deliver
the goods.
“Despite having nothing, they
are happy,” continued Sharyl.
“The littlest acts of kindness
light-up their lives. One year,
I gave a pair of
work boots to an
older man with
worn-down shoes
and he cried when
he received them.
He was so grateful;
he wouldn’t wear
them in the dirt
because he didn’t
want to ruin them.
Those kinds of
experiences are
what make this so
special. You know
you’re making a
difference.”
Sharyl Noble (far left) has spent the last decade brining Christmas to
the Navajo people in Four Corners area.
Over the years, the program has become bigger as needs have
increased. But the biggest change Sharyl has witnessed is the
change that has taken place in her own life.
“I’ve seen the positive effects our service has had within the Navajo
communities, as well as with
our volunteers. It gives you a
completely different perspective
of what’s important. You realize
how fortunate we really are and
how important it is to help others
in need.”
Sharyl Noble works as a sales
associate at Larry H. Miller Lexus
in Murray, Utah. WS