Somewhere, several years ago we stopped believing in Santa Claus. But this year, a Secret Santa surprised the Redmond High School girls’ basketball team with an anonymous gift.

Following an early-morning workout, we had ventured down to the Redmond Pancake House for brunch and a traditional gift exchange. The atmosphere was festive; pancakes were devoured and gifts were exchanged.

Much to our surprise, as we made our way to the cash register to pay the check a giggling waitress stopped us. She proceeded to tell us that the couple in the booth across from us had paid our check. We were taken aback at this generous gift, and left the Pancake House filled with joy and the holiday spirit, thinking of how we could pay this generous act forward.

This simple anonymous gift had touched us all; following a long December season, it was particularly nice to feel the support from our community. Thank you Secret Santa!

Lauren May and Ali Jorgensen, Redmond High School girls’ basketball captains