Dear Secret Santa,

You have probably never visited the Active Learning Center located on Windsor Drive in Allentown. If you do, you will be pleased.

Two hundred children, who range in age and ability from infant to middle school level, attend.

Dedicated teachers direct the 10 classrooms and create a pleasant and engaging learning situation. The students are quite obviously involved in learning letters and colors, math and vocabulary. The play area is jumping and the interior is bright. The descriptor that leaps to mind is "active."

However, grown-ups must remember children learn constantly through observation. They absorb and imitate; no adult behavior goes unnoticed. Kait Hunger and Angela Lynn, instructors at the center, capitalize on this phenomenon to develop their young charges' social skills.

Earlier this year, Hunger and Lynn collaborated with instructors throughout the center in two relief efforts. The students donated food, clothing and supplies for Hurricane Sandy victims.

Hunger explained a friend arranged the delivery of the first batch of items to Staten Island.

North Whitehall Fire Department picked up and transferred the goods to two New Jersey shore communities. Sharing their teachers' enthusiasm, the children wanted to "help, help, help."

They made donation boxes, packaged contributions, pushed hand carts and sent personal cards. They lived the term "generous."

Then came Coins for Sandy. Each class received a large plastic jug which the students decorated. For two weeks class members made daily contributions of change, and sometimes dollars. Initially, Hunger and Lynn employed a contest strategy. The group that raised the most money would receive a pizza party.

The idea gained momentum; "children were just into it." One prekindergartener arrived with her coins and the list of chores she had completed to earn them. She then explained, "I need to help. I'm a doctor."

Ultimately, the school raised over $600. Lynn transported the money to the bank and met their Secret Santa.

Watching her cart in collection jugs loaded with coins, you, disguised as an anonymous gentleman, questioned the origin of her deposit. Lynn explained the project. She recognized you as Santa when, on the spot, you matched the children's funds.

With the inclusion of your contribution, the center's students raised $1,269.85 which they are donating to the Salvation Army's Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund.

The prekindergarten class brought in the most money, but the excitement with which this drive infused the entire school resulted in every class receiving a pizza party. (Those in prekindergarten enjoyed ice cream as well.)

The Active Learning Center's teachers inspire their students to behave selflessly. When the kindergarteners were asked, "Why did we do this? For pizza?" They responded in unison, "No, Miss Kait, to help."

Secret Santa, you remind adults that the attributes we nurture in children have their roots in us. The word of the day is "believe."

Thank you, Secret Santa!