It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas for Military’s Santa

Bake Sale on Saturday, October 19 at Island Market

by Margie Doyle

Islanders know her mostly as Judy Wallace, the wife of Orcas builder and Vietnam vet Ron Wallace. But for more years now than she can remember, Judy Wallace has had a Santa’s workshop going at their Enchanted Forest home, where she organizes and ships personal care packages to active military personnel.

The leaves are falling, and Judy is at it again. On Saturday, October 19, she will hold a bake sale outside Island Market. The Women’s Auxiliary of the American Legion, under President Jan Cleveland, will be baking up a storm for the event. Funds from the sale will go to purchase and mail supplies to active duty military in Afghanistan.

Last year Judy Wallace’s goal was 75 packages, and she mailed over 100. In addition to the $700 she raised in bake sales, the Sons of the American Legion donated $1,000 to her efforts, and the American Legion Auxiliary gave $500.

Last year’s Auxiliary President helped with the mailing by shipping packages out of the Olga Post Office

The packages have to go to a particular person, Judy says. She finds individual soldiers by going to www.anysoldier.com, where people can select a recipient based on home unit or position or whatever strikes their interest.

“I’m in it until the guys and gals come home,” says Judy. American Legion Auxiliary Jan Cleveland can’t praise her enough. “Judy is one of the most dedicated people I ever met on behalf of our service people and our veterans. She’s really there for them.

“We appreciate her very much; it’ really nice to know a person like that,” Jan says.

With the funds raised, Judy supplements the items she collects all year. Her home is taken over by tables and boxes as she prepares the boxes. She and husband Ron make trips to the mainland to stretch the gift package dollars. “Costco see me coming when I get my major haul,” she says.

Aside from her Christmas efforts, Judy has been involved for years in helping Vietnam veterans locate fellow veterans. Recently, she connected a Vietnam vet with his grandson, now serving in Afghanistan.

Islanders who would like to assist Judy’s efforts can drop off socks, toiletries, beef jerky and other sealed food items, including hard candy at the bake sale on Saturday Oct. 19, or call the Wallaces at 376-4294 to make arrangements.