Community

The founder of the Elf Louise Christmas Project, one of the city’s most notable Christmas charities for children, spent some time healing in a local hospital on Monday.

The name of Louise Locker, AKA “Elf Louise” has become synonymous with cheer at Christmas time and getting presents to those children who otherwise might not have much -- or anything -- under their tree.

Locker, who successfully battled cancer in 2010, had a mild heart attack Sunday evening, and by 3 a.m. Monday she was on Facebook updating her status and complimenting the great staff.

Each year SAMMinistries honors the homeless who have passed away with a special memorial service: this year there were 66. The annual candlelight vigil to honor the homeless will be held tonight -- the longest night of the year.

This year, there were 11 fewer homeless deaths than last year. SAMMinistries CEO Navarra Williams said community concern and good shelters are part of the reason, but there’s also greater outreach to find people when they need to get inside.