FORKS — Forks resident Misty Mate won the $1,000 top prize in the West End Business and Professional Association’s annual Santa Bucks drawing last weekend.
When Mate stepped up to claim her prize on Christmas Eve, her teenage daughter accompanied her and burst into tears, said Pat Soderlind, Forks Community Food Bank director and member of the West End Business and Professional Association.
“I like it when people who really need the money win the prize,” Soderlind said.
Mate and her family received $1,000 in Santa Bucks, to be used as they wish.
Santa Bucks can be redeemed as cash with members of the association.
Members include not only retailers, such as Forks Outfitters, but also professional services, such as several dentists.
Santa Bucks also can used to pay bills at two other members of the association: Forks Community Hospital and the Clallam County Public Utility District.
Successful year
On Monday, West End Business and Professional Association President Leith Grahn didn’t yet know how many of the $1 tickets were sold, but Soderlind on Sunday said it was clear it was a successful year.
“The drum was really full,” Soderlind said.
Once the winner is paid, remaining funds go toward future downtown holiday decorations and lights, she said.
Beginning in November, the association gives away turkeys every Saturday, Grahn said.
Since Thanksgiving, the group also has given away gift certificates in a weekly drawing, leading up to the grand finale on Christmas Eve.
During the holiday weekend, Soderlind, in her role with West End Outreach also helped to deliver holiday gifts and food baskets.
West End Outreach collected gift and food baskets for 257 families who registered, and also distributed baskets to families who did not sign up but needed help, she said.
“Many don’t sign up,” Soderlind said.
Some have jobs and don’t feel it’s right to sign up, or they feel others need help more, or their pride stops them, she said.
Soderlind said that in the small Forks community, word of mouth is often the best way to find out where services are most needed, even if they aren’t asked for.
“It helps to be in touch,” she said.
________
Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.