Rosemary has a simple philosophy of life. She believes in the old adage of Pay It Forward.

When people are in need, she wants to help.

That’s why it’s hard on this young mother of three when she thinks about Christmas. A recent job layoff for the single mother means the holiday won’t be as abundant as she would like.

But she is grateful there is a program like the Secret Santa that will be there to make Christmas brighter this year.

“I think it is absolutely wonderful,” Rosemary said about the program. “I think Ironton supports the family. It is totally the place to be for the family. I have lived a lot of different places, but Ironton is family-oriented.”

Right now she has each child “one thing,” but what’s more important for Rosemary is that her children appreciate what they have.

“I don’t have a lot left after paying bills, but I know of kids who have a lot less,” she said. “I make sure my kids are thankful for what they do have. I try to teach them that. My mom set that in our heads and I set it in their heads. They can achieve anything in their life if they work for it.”

As she fills out job applications looking for work, Rosemary also takes classes at a local university with dreams of a career.

“I hope to get back on my feet. I’m going to school,” she said. “I am trying to get back on my feet and putting in applications. I am starting at Ground Zero.”

It’s families like Rosemary’s that is why the Young Professionals got involved in the Secret Santa program that has the goal of helping 600 children this year with warm winter clothes and gifts.

But the Young Professionals need help. They need funds to pay for those Christmas presents and they need volunteers willing to sponsor a child and do the shopping.

If anyone wishes to make a contribution directly to the Secret Santa, that can be done by writing a check to LEDC Secret Santa and send it to the Chamber of Commerce, 216 Collins Ave., South Point, OH 45680.

Anyone wanting to sponsor a child or more than one child and go out shopping for them, can contact Casey Baker, Secret Santa coordinator, at lcypgroup@gmail.com.

Also the Secret Santa organizers have applied for a $5,000 grant from Pepsi. They are asking everyone to vote at www.refresheverything.com/lcypsecretsanta through the month of November. If Secret Santa gets enough votes to put it in the top 20 finalists, the program will get the grant. Right now it is ranked at 135.

“If I could help, I would,” Rosemary said. “I would do it in a heartbeat.”