A pastor who recently fell on hard times has received a much needed boost this holiday season. Pastor Tom Shanor of the Little Church in the Pines in Island Park, Idaho, who lost both his home and his car in October, received $10,000 from a local Secret Santa.
Shanor’s troubles began on Halloween, when a fire started in the furnace of his RV, which had been his full-time residence. As flames engulfed his home, Shanor was only able to escape with his phone, wallet, the clothes on his back, and his beloved cat, Churchill.
Later that same day, Shanor was on his way to purchase more clothes and to replace medicines he had lost in the fire when a deer ran in front of his vehicle. While Shanor was not injured in the ensuing collision, his car was totaled.
Since that day, Shanor has continued to serve in his pastoral duties at Little Church in the Pines, and the community has rallied behind him to support him. He has been staying at the homes of friends, and the community has contributed to a GoFundMe campaign to help him get back on his feet.
“Pastor Tom is a selfless servant of the Lord who is always available for everyone in this small mountain town next to Yellowstone National Park,” the community member who established the campaign wrote. “Let’s help him replace the only home he owned.”
The campaign has raised more than $10,000. Now, Shanor is receiving more help from a local Secret Santa, who has doubled that number.
East Idaho News reported that a local philanthropist is giving away $1 million to deserving recipients this holiday season and had enlisted the local news organization to deliver a gift of $10,000 to Shanor.
After coordinating with Shanor’s friends, reporter Nate Eaton approached the pastor as he entered a local Sam’s Club.
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Before presenting him with the gift, Eaton asked Shanor how he has been holding up since the fire.
