By: Jane MacNeil

During this 40th anniversary year of L’Arche Tahoma Hope, we have been sharing heartfelt memories of our past history. One of the most enduring memories that is deep in the heart of all core members and assistants of L’Arche is “Santa Tucci.” For over 25 years Mike and Mary Jo Tucci took it on themselves to purchase, wrap and deliver individual Christmas presents for all the core members and assistants at L’Arche Tahoma Hope.  Jane MacNeil, who has been an assistant in L’Arche Tahoma Hope since 1987, reflects with gratitude and love on the kindness and magic of “Santa Tucci.”

To get on Santa Tucci’s Christmas list you just had to be here in L’Arche Tahoma Hope. Apparently, there wasn’t even a background check on whether you’d been naughty or nice—which might have made for a shorter list! But luckily, Santa Tucci was very inclusive and presumed the best in us!

All that was required in this semi-covert operation was for assistants to give Santa a notion of what was wished for, sizes and favourite colours if it was clothing. But gifts weren’t limited to wearable items. They could be just aabout anything: radios, CD players, indoor golf sets, flannel sheets, books, gift cards for coffee and movies, etc! Santa Tucci covered a lot of territory in pursuit of these, starting in early November. I’m thinking this feat of generosity earned dear Santa some sore, tired feet! And yet, every year for more years than I can reckon, this mission was undertaken with a happy heart.

The week before Christmas, gigantic sacks of beautifully wrapped presents would arrive at our office, a sack for each of our homes. Then under our Christmas trees it would become so festive, building excitement until the magical moments when the paper would come off to the surprise and delight of everyone.It was overwhelming to recognize all the effort and commitment this represented, and each gift had been signed simply “Santa”.

These memories are gifts that continue to give and the enduring love and friendship still blesses us and fills us with gratitude.

Merry Christmas, “Santa!”