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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Guide Weather Subscribe Contact Us December 13, 2004 Female Santa brings Wellsprings cheer By Bill Choy Ashland Daily Tidings For four years, Lana Hjorten has helped bring holiday cheer to needy children at the Jackson Wellsprings, located on the outskirts of Ashland, by providing Christmas gifts. For four years, Lana Hjorten has included gifts for the kids of Jackson Wellsprings as part of her Christmas shopping list. Andrew Mariman | Ashland Daily Tidings The property, which includes a campground and RV park, is home to many low-income families. Since Hjorten used her own money the first year to help one family, the effort has grown to include 18 children, with help from local businesses and community members. While driving from her home in Talent to her job at the Darex Corporation in Ashland where she has worked in sales for 20 years, Hjorten noticed on several occasions children in front of the Wellsprings. She wondered if they had a need for assistance. Curious, one day she approached a woman in front of the property. She discovered she had five kids and a limited income, and gave them gifts for Christmas. "I just felt there was a need there," she said. "Maybe the Lord put that into my heart." The next year, the family had left, but Hjorten found a few other kids to give gifts to. By the third year, she decided she wanted to help all the children at the Wellsprings. She was able to secure donated gift certificates and other gifts from many local businesses such as the Standing Stone Brewery, Plaza Cafe, and El Tapatio, and sold raffle tickets to the public, raising $700. This year, she has received gift certificates from other local businesses such as Geppetto's and the Ashland Springs Hotel. She currently has 18 children she will give gifts to. After receiving requests from the children, she goes shopping, wraps the gifts and presents them to the kids the week of Christmas. "It's bringing joy to children, which is what Christmas is about," Hjorten said. "It also brings joy to those who are donating, because they are helping others." "I think it's great what she's doing," said Don Harding. a single father of two boys, 13 and 11. "It sure helps out. My kids are asking me 'who is this lady?' She's a good person with a good heart and is full of love. If more people did that, we would have a better community." Rosa Millan, 11, is excited to be getting gifts from Hjorten again this year. Last year, she received clothing and a compact disc player. "For me, nobody has given me presents before that I did not know," she said. "It's nice she's giving back to the community." Janis (who goes by her first name only), park administrator at the Wellsprings, commended Hjorten for bringing a little holiday cheer to the kids and their families. "I thought it was a really nice thing of her to do," she said. "A lot of people here are on a fixed income and can't get a lot of things for their kids on Christmas. ... These days, the meaning of Christmas has been lost in the market of buy, buy, buy and it's just nice to see someone do something like this for kids." Hjorten said it's important for people to show love to others during the holidays, as well as year-round. She encouraged the community to help others in any way they can. Hjorten said she hopes by being kind and generous to them, it will have an impact on these children's lives. "When kids are given special things when they are young, they believe in hope," she said. "When you're given hope, it shows good things can happen in life and they don't focus on the bad things. Hopefully, these are memories that will last forever. ... A few of us can make a big difference in peoples lives." To buy a ticket for the raffle, or for further information, call Hjorten at 488-2224, ext. 611. DailyTidings.com Home Page Archives | Revels | Classifieds | Real Estate Guide | Weather | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2005 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Slippers Isotoner Slippers Dsw Shoes Ceramic Piggy Banks Fanny Mae Eloans Calenders 2005 Calender 2005 Accelerate Weight Loss Programs Citibank Student Loans Acs Loan Matchmaking & Dating Scripts Adventure Travel Conference Calls - $50/Month Security Systems student loan consolidation helzberg diamonds Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams