(Seguin) – Some of Santa’s most precious deliveries in Guadalupe County have already made it to their destination. It might not have been Rudolph’s red nose but more the red and blue siren lights of Santa Sheriff that led his annual trek throughout the county stopping by area nursing homes.
During those stops, Santa Sheriff a.k.a. Guadalupe County Sheriff Arnold Zwicke delivered not only dozens and dozens of red gift bags to area residents but left behind plenty of smiles and laughs at each of the seven nursing homes that he and his law enforcement elves visited across the county.
Although, this marks the 11th year for the Santa Sheriff program, Zwicke says donning the white beard and red suit never gets old.
“Even with COVID we still made the rounds. I enjoy it. I look forward to it every year,” said Zwicke.
Zwicke, who originally came up with the idea, says although his office is committed to helping collect toys for the children in this county, it was also important for him to ensure some holiday cheer for this special group of seniors.
“You know the Christmas spirit is still alive in the rest homes. These people believe in Santa. They are amazing. The employees came in today and yesterday and sang and a lot of them were singing with us so that’s an awesome deal. We are just trying to keep that Christmas spirit alive,” said Zwicke.
Opening up the doors for Santa Sheriff and his elves at Walnut Springs Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Seguin was Facility Administrator Judith Zuniga.
In fact, because of COVID restrictions last year, Zuniga who at the time had just started the position, had not been privy to all of the holiday fanfare that comes with the Santa Sheriff program.
Amazed by the singing of Christmas carols in the hallways and the delivery of gifts to each resident, Zuniga says she now sees why it just couldn’t be Christmas without this yearly visit.
“I think it’s absolutely fabulous and from now on, it’s going to be no Christmas without Sheriff Zwicke – without him coming first. He is one of the first visitors that we have had this year for our Christmas. He set the standard really high. It’s been wonderful having him here,” said Zuniga.
Leading Santa Sheriff around the facility and his badge wearing elves was Star Sutton, the Walnut Springs activity coordinator.
Sutton says yes, there are other holidays, but Christmas, this is the holiday that seems to matter the most.
“Oh my God! This is like the best time of the year for them. They wait all year. Christmas and giving and caring, they always remember,” said Sutton.
Sutton says she too applauds the Sheriff for continuing this program. She says it’s just one more way to make sure that each resident also feels the magic of the season.
“They remember their children and when children come through here, they think it’s their children even if their memory is gone. They remember. Everything comes back when they Santa Claus, when they see the lights, when they see the wreaths,” said Sutton.
This year’s Santa Sheriff program was able to deliver gifts to 482 residents throughout Guadalupe County.
Zwicke says the gift packages, which included things like hairbrushes, no-slip socks and blankets would not have been possible without the support of community sponsors and donors.
“The sponsorships are getting bigger and bigger and there’s too many to name and it’s been doing really well. The response has been great, and we appreciate that,” said Zwicke.
The list of nursing homes receiving Santa Sheriff gifts include Windsor Nursing, GVNC, Remarkable, Nesbit, Walnut Springs plus Autumn Winds and Silver Tree in Schertz.
Those wishing to continue to support the program are asked to contact the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office at 830-379-1224.
