A local Secret Santa is giving $1 million to deserving people in eastern Idaho this holiday season. Every day, from now until the end of the year, the East Idaho News elves will be delivering gifts from Secret Santa and we’ll be sharing the surprise videos here.

In October 2024, Thom suffered a spinal stroke that left him permanently paralyzed. The Idaho Falls father spent several weeks at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center undergoing multiple surgeries before being transferred to the Craig Center in Colorado for intensive rehabilitation.

During that time, his wife, Melinda, balanced caring for Thom, learning how to meet his new medical needs, and homeschooling their children. When the family returned home, neighbors rallied together – building a ramp to their front door and raising f

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