In all my 78 years, I've never written to you before, but I am getting pretty old. Like you, my heart and spirit are as much alive as they've ever been, but my body and my mechanisms need a little TLC so I can continue my travels around Lake Webster for many years to come.
I've always been pretty self-sufficient and paid my own way. But what I need fixed now is going to cost a lot of money, and what I earn from my appointed rounds just doesn't cover the cost of my year-to-year needs anymore. Well, folks heard the message loud and clear and came together to help me in my old age. People both close and far away remembered me, and for their help I will forever be grateful.
You'll not be surprised, Santa, to learn that the first people to help were the children. Seeing the positive action in these little ones, their elders began to chip in - giving what they could when they could. Before too long, my old frame was getting ship-shape and soon passed muster with the folks from the State of Indiana whose job it is to make sure I'm safe and sound.
Well, I'm feeling much better now but I've still got a long way to go. If I'm to keep bringing smiles and laughter to generations yet to come, a lot more will be needed. I am now an approved tax-deductible charity. I even have my own Web site at www.savethedixie.org and the people at Lake City Bank, North Webster, accept contributions for my care from my friends.
I am now proudly owned by The Dixie Sternwheeler Association and truly belong to the people - they have pledged to keep me safe, sound and doing my annual services on Webster Lake every summer for a long time to come.
Santa, if I could, I would place a personal thank you in everyone's stocking and under every tree. My only wish this Christmas is that you help me say a heartfelt "thank you" to those who have helped and those who will help in the years to come. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
