Shining Star brightens kids’ Christmases
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POLSON — Santa Claus has lots of help around the Mission Valley to make sure kids have a wonderful Christmas, and “Shining Star” is one of Santa’s helpers.
Shining Star is a program of the Lake County Deputies Association, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Detective Kim Leibenguth, who’s in her ninth year as project director.
Share the Spirit usually gives Shining Star 125 to 130 tags for children whose families need a little help to make Christmas bright.
“We try to buy the necessities — a pair of pants, underwear, a shirt and socks — for each kid,” Leibenguth said, adding that younger children also receive a toy and older kids makeup or grooming supplies.
“Each child also gets a goodie bag with candy and a stuffed animal,” she said.
Leibenguth recruits deputies and local high school kids to help with shopping. She gives the youths tags for kids about their age, and sometimes it’s a wake-up call.
One girl came back crying, Leibenguth said. When Leibenguth asked the young lady what was the matter, she said the girl wanted shampoo, body wash and laundry soap, “all things I take for granted,” the young lady said.
Leibenguth always asks the students what’s on their Christmas list and gets answers like a new snowboard, an iPhone, a computer or an Xbox. Then she hands out the tags.
She’ll have the students look at what the kids request on the tags and then have the shoppers tell her how lucky they are.
Shining Star is partially funded by a baked goods and craft sale held at the Lake County Courthouse. This year people can support Shining Star by picking up treats and items for Christmas gifts on Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the large conference room.
If you can’t make the sale but want to support the cause, send a check to the Lake County Deputies Association, Attn: Kim, 106 Fourth Ave., Polson, MT 59860.
