She thought she was meeting a friend for a soda. Then a Secret Santa shocked her with an unexpected gift.
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REXBURG — A local Secret Santa is spreading holiday cheer across eastern Idaho, giving away $1 million to people who deserve a little extra magic this Christmas.
Penny has had an incredibly difficult year. In March, she unexpectedly lost her husband. They had been sweethearts since they were 15 years old.
Penny has spent much of her life working hard and putting her family first. She works night shifts at the Juvenile Corrections Center in St. Anthony, often going straight from a night shift to caring for her grandchildren during the day.
Even when life has been difficult, she has always made time for her children and family. When her husband began experiencing health problems, she worked even harder to help support their family while making sure she never missed out on the moments that mattered most.
Since his passing, things have been especially challenging financially. One of her biggest worries has been her vehicle. While it still runs, it has very high mileage, and purchasing a newer, more reliable car simply isn’t something she can afford right now.
Secret Santa asked the East Idaho News elves to go surprise Penny, but we needed a secret plan to make it happen. We arranged with a friend to have them meet us at Pick Me Up so we could buy her a soda. She had no clue what was about to happen! Watch the surprise in the video player above.
