Update On Joy Hall Flooding & Project Santa & Its Distribution System For Kids In The Valley

 

Project Santa 
c/o Shilah Butler 
HC 60 Box 335‑S 
Copper Center, AK 99573 

 

 

Dear Friends and Supporters, 

 

Project Santa is deeply thankful to everyone who has contributed over the years—whether through financial donations, volunteer labor, or ongoing support. Your generosity has made an incredible difference, and I am truly grateful. Special thanks to our longtime partners and supporters, including the CB Lions, the American Legion, CVTC, Tazlina Store, CRBRHA, New to You, The Pregnancy Center, Copper Valley Electric, and so many others. Your commitment to our community over the past 20 years has been invaluable. Because of your support, Project Santa was able to provide gifts to 225 children and 84 families across the Copper River Basin last year. Thanks to you, every child received something they wanted, something they needed, something to wear, and something to read. In addition, we provided 152 full sets of winter gear—including snow pants, coats, boots, gloves, and hats—to children throughout the region, along with winter items for 15 additional children who needed specific gear. These essential items helped keep our kids warm and safe during Alaska’s harsh winters.

 

For several years, the Copper River Basin Regional Housing Authority generously allowed Project Santa to use the Joy Hall Dormitory building on the former ABC campus. This large space was transformative for the program, allowing me to expand, stay organized, purchase discounted items year‑round, and significantly reduce costs. It enabled Project Santa to grow far beyond its beginnings in my residence and the CVTC office, and it made the expansion of our winter gear program possible. I am incredibly grateful to CRBRHA for this support.

 

Sadly, during extreme temperatures of 50–60 below zero, Joy Hall sustained extensive damage due to multiple burst water pipes, flooding, and loss of heat. As a result, it is no longer fiscally feasible for CRBRHA to maintain the facility, and it will be demolished this summer. Joy Hall has been a tremendous blessing to Project Santa and will be greatly missed.

 

At this time, program supplies—including new clothing, blankets, and toys—are being stored in a 25‑foot trailer, and I will be administering Project Santa from my home in Kenny Lake next year. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who stepped in during the flooding, packing, cleanup, and moving process: John and Shannon Hoffmeister, Teri Nutter, Lizann Greybear, Aidan Ducas, Jake Butler, Joey Virgin, and Shannon Saavedra. Your help during a very challenging time meant more than I can express.

Thank you again for your continued support, generosity, and belief in Project Santa. Together, we are making the holidays brighter for children and families throughout the Copper River Basin.

 

 

With sincere appreciation,

 

 

 

Shilah Butler

Project Santa