Plans are for Santa to fly in to Seeley Lake, Potomac and Sunset School the week of Dec. 20, weather permitting.
Red Sleighs Over Montana is returning to the area for a second year the week of Dec. 20. The exact date has not been set.
The Museum of Mountain Flying initiated the inaugural Red Sleighs Over Montana last Christmas in response to the wide-ranging issues facing rural Montana communities. Santa flew into 20 rural communities in Western Montana. The goal is to make this year's endeavor more expansive than ever, adding several more Montana communities and Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
Last year volunteers worked with the communities to identify "families in need" to give a little extra Christmas spirit. Local "pilots turned Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus" and "elves" flew in to deliver donated toys, clothing, blankets and gifts to nearly 1,000 children. All pilots donated time, energy and all aircraft expenses.
Santa stopped in Potomac and flew into the Seeley Lake airport via helicopter. He visited with the children and handed out gifts.
They are looking for a point person to coordinate with the pilots in the 25 communities. To serve as the ground contact for Seeley Lake, Potomac or Sunset School contact Julie Lynch at 406-880-2233 or email Julie@BHHSMT.com.
In addition to distributing items to children at the stops, they would like to provide specific items to "families in need." If you know of a family that needs help please contact Pat Collins, 406-396-0755 or 1802PatC@gmail.com.
Finally, this effort is not possible without volunteers and donations. Red Sleighs Over Montana is seeking monetary donations and donations of children's toys, blankets and gifts for distribution. Unwrapped donated items or money can be delivered to Minuteman Aviation or Northstar Aviation at the Missoula International Airport; Bretz RV (4800 Grant Creek Rd, Missoula) or Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Montana Properties (1020 South Ave W or 314 N. Higgins Ave in Missoula). Monetary donations can also be mailed to: The Museum of Mountain Flying, Inc. Missoula International Airport, 5225 US Hwy 10 West, Suite 29, Missoula, MT 59808 Attention: Red Sleighs Over Montana
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