12/13/2023
Today the Currituck FOP Lodge #89 will go shopping for 60 children. In the spirit of gift giving, today our lodge would like to honor Elizabeth Lewis-AKA-Mrs. Santa Claus. Mrs. Lewis was a profound example and inspiration to people when it came to the Christmas spirit. Her spirit lives on through others today.
Because of Mrs. Santa Claus and those like her, the lodge is honored to assist children during Christmas. This year the lodge will provide presents for at least 140 children. We urge all who are in a position to help those in need to do so not only at Christmas, but throughout the year. Please seek out organizations that help people facing hardships or those that are less fortunate. A huge thank you to all of our generous donors that make our program possible.
We asked Mrs. Lewis's son, Chip Lewis, to share her story. Please read below to learn about Curritucks own Mrs. Santa Claus.
Starting back in 1984 my mother decided that she would start providing Christmas for children and families in need. It started with a small group of children somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 the very first year. My mother approached the school nurses and other members of the school system.and in a joint effort, between my mother and school administration, families were contacted and the necessary information was documented. My mother would then assign each child to a friend, and of those, she had many. The child and siblings would receive clothing, coats,shoes and of course toys. Sometimes, if needed, even a Christmas tree.everything would be brought to my parents house and arranged in our library, sitting room, living room, and sometimes even the garage. Then, on Christmas Eve, chosen friends would arrive to help transport the gifts to each family's home. Mom would always kid that we had to wait on Joey, and that Joey was always late. By year three of Christmas with Mrs Claus the Ford plant found out what she was doing and began contributing gifts, clothes as well as a full Christmas dinner. My mother's health began to take a serious decline in 2015 and it turned out to be her final year of orchestration. That year the children's list hit 157 kids.
My mother cherished the many years she spent doing this and always looked forward to the following Christmas beginning in September. She never wanted or needed any acknowledgement for her deeds, nor to be acknowledged or compensated, she simply found joy in just knowing she helped Christmas joy find its way into as many homes as possible. Her being honored today is a special gift to all that knew her and especially to we, her family. Sadly, we lost Mom right after Christmas of 2022. Saying she will never be forgotten would be an understatement.
Thank you again, and Merry Christmas.
Chip Lewis
