The second annual event makes a big impact while honoring Shay’s memory
By Andrew Harris,
Within his family circle, Kevin Shay was also known as “Santa Shay.” When Shay lost his battle with cancer in 2023 his co-workers, friends and family in the Allegany County Sheriff Department decided that the best way to honor the longtime law enforcement officer was to honor his generous spirit and love for the kiddos.
The Kevin Shay Toy Drive last year was very successful, culminating in a special Christmas party hosted by the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office where Shay served for 31 years. Over 100 local kids benefited with gifts and a visit from Santa. Perhaps the most important part of the toy drive was the positive interaction with local law enforcement.
Kevin’s wife Lisa and his children Ashley, Michelle, Robbie, and David were thrilled with the outcome, knowing that the legacy of “Santa Shay” had a tremendous impact on so many our community.
Almost immediately, the second annual Kevin Shay Toy Drive was planned and the work of gathering gifts began. Organizing this fast-growing Kevin Shay Toy Drive has required several elves this year. Collecting names, toy donation, personalized stockings, wrapping, filling stocking and Santas bags, decorating Santas visiting are into a Magical Christmas Wonderland and some delivers to the kiddos. This took a village of volunteers.
That effort has been nothing short of amazing. The number of gifts has skyrocketed, volunteers from all over Allegany County have gathered to wrap and organize over 1000 gifts for all ages, boys and girls, ages infant to 17. So many gifts have been donated that this year, every kid will also get a Santa sack with wrapped toys and a personalized stocking.
What maybe the most important thing about this effort isn’t the gifts themselves. The kids receiving these gifts might not have anything to unwrap without the Kevin Shay Toy Drive. Lisa has received several heartwarming messages from the recipient families. ‘A true Christmas Miracle” for some. The volunteers have joy helping Santa, make this happen. “Christmas in the eyes of a child is priceless”.
This year over 140 kids received a sack of toys and stocking from Santa. Soon, these children and families will enjoy an afternoon of gift giving, holiday treats, Santa and Mrs. Claus, all hosted by law enforcement officers.
Santa Shay maybe no longer with us but his memory and legacy will be and in the form of a thousand gifts and hundreds of smiles on the faces of kids who need it the most.
