Yuba County school gets mystery donation

A $1,000 donation that mysteriously arrived at a Yuba County school will help put Christmas packages into the hands of students who might not have gotten much Dec. 25.

Colene Weckman, a staff member at Alicia Intermediate School in Olivehurst, received 10 $100 bills from a co-worker who told Weckman the donor requested anonymity.

"He said it was from a former student," Weckman recalled of the only information her co-worker, in charge of the independent student center for the school, was able to provide about the Dec. 11 donation that helped pay for gift bags distributed Thursday at Alicia.

"I was just amazed," said Weckman, one of about a dozen outreach consultants in the Marysville Joint Unified School District. "I do believe in miracles. That's all I can say."

Jack Stokes, principal of the school for more than two decades, said it's the first time Alicia Intermediate has received such a donation.

Asked if he has any clue who provided the funds, Stokes answered, "I have no idea."

Suzanne Hockett, bookkeeper at the school, sent an e-mail to the Marysville school district about the anonymous donation.

Whoever provided the money won appreciation Thursday from a mother picking up a gift bag with a half-dozen wrapped packages inside.

"I really didn't have anything for my kids," she said.

Stokes, who met another parent and child receiving one of the gift bags said, "They were just thrilled."

While the $1,000 donor remains a mystery, Alicia Intermediate lists several other people and organizations donating toward the Christmas relief fund. They include $500 from the Linda Fireman's Association as well as donations from Yuba County Supervisor Dan Logue and Marysville district trustee Rich Sebo.

The donated funds went toward student gifts including clothing, clock radios, basketballs and soccer balls.

Assistant Principal Renee Cunningham said the school sends thank-you notes to donors - but won't be able to mail anything to whoever provided the $1,000.