Christmas spirit filled Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank as Santa and his trusty elf made a surprise visit on Dec. 18, spreading joy and handing out gifts to those in line for food assistance.
Santa, accompanied by his cheerful elf, came prepared with toys and treats, taking a break from their usual roles at the food bank to bring smiles to everyone present. The festive duo added a special touch to the day, creating a memorable experience for visitors young and old.
Both Santa and his elf have been long-time contributors to the food bank. The elf has been part of the team since its inception, while Santa has been a dedicated member for nearly a decade, often seen driving the organization’s semi-truck when not spreading holiday cheer.
“We do this every year,” shared Ahndrea Blue, founder, president, and CEO of the Making A Difference Foundation, which runs Eloise’s Cooking Pot. “Our resident Santa and elf have been bringing this joy for almost 10 years.”
Originally, Santa and his elf were set to make their appearance at the Tacoma Dome for Eloise’s usual Wednesday food giveaway. However, the event had to be canceled due to extreme weather conditions. Fierce winds exceeding 60 miles per hour uprooted trees, caused widespread power outages, and turned traffic signals dark across Tacoma.
Blue, who was up at 5 a.m. assessing the situation, explained the decision to cancel: “We start setting up at 6 a.m., but the winds hadn’t let up. High winds and flying tents create unsafe conditions for everyone involved. Even though the weather improved later, we had to prioritize safety and pivot to our McKinley Avenue location.”
Despite the challenges, Santa and his elf adapted, ensuring that the holiday tradition continued at the food bank’s main site.
Looking ahead to 2025, Eloise’s Cooking Pot has exciting plans in store, with major projects and community resources on the horizon. Stay tuned for updates in the new year.
source tacomaweekly.com/