Tom is well known in Rigby Idaho. He’s on the committee that hosts the town’s annual classic car show, he helps with veteran events, and is often seen flying the American flag at community events. Earlier this year when a girl brought a gun to Rigby Middle School and shot and injured three people, it was Tom who organized a ceremony with first responders, bringing the community together to show their support.
Tom recently needed a pacemaker and was forced to miss three weeks of work as a truck driver, East Idaho’s Secret Santa heard about it and wanted to help Tom and his family. Assisting Santa in his mission once again was East Idaho News’ Nate Eaton who caught up with Tom this week to deliver an early Christmas gift. Standing on his front porch, Tom opened the box from the Secret Santa. Inside was a check for $10-thousand!
Tom was bowled over by the kind gesture. He plans to use the money to make some needed repairs to his and his wife’s cars and to help make up for the pay he lost out on while he recovers from surgery. Tom held back tears as he thanked Nate and the East Idaho News crew. Unsurprisingly, one more thing Tom wants to do with some of the money is get gifts for nursing home residents and kids in need, an annual tradition he thought they wouldn’t be able to afford this year.