Local Business Leaders Step Into Santa’s Workshop to Support Wylie Way Christmas & Holidays

Like Santa’s iconic white beard, Matthew Soto’s signature black mustache has a way of spreading holiday cheer.

With a generous heart to match, Soto is one of Santa’s elves helping Wylie Way Christmas & Holidays fill stockings of Wylie ISD children in need.

Dressed in his festive elf costume, Soto, aka Mustache Elf, and his elf friends dropped off loads of gifts and holiday spirit at the Wylie ISD Education Service Center.

Four years ago, Soto, owner of  STASH Realty Group, saw a need in the community and set out to fulfill it. With the help of his elf suit and that infamous black mustache, he was able to draw attention to gift donation boxes.

What started as one man’s mission has now developed into a collaborative effort by a network of local business owners. Each year, members of Let's Grow Networks come together to set up donation drop-off boxes at businesses throughout Wylie, making it easy for the community to contribute. This year, donation boxes were hosted by Julian Olalde Insurance, STASH Realty Group, Shell Shocked Wraps, Scuba Sam's, Texas Outdoor Oasis, Wylie Foodies - Mijas Taqueria, and Martin Heating & Air, providing convenient donation locations across town.

All gifts collected at these drop-off boxes are donated to Wylie Way Christmas & Holidays.

WWCH is a resource that provides Christmas gifts for Wylie ISD students who have an identified financial need through the school district.

“We love that the WWCH drive goes directly to those in need right in our backyards,” Diana Soto, Matthew’s wife, said. “Our purpose is to help create meaningful relationships in our community and partnering with them for this drive supports our mission.”

The district is incredibly grateful for the overwhelming generosity of those who have adopted tags for Wylie Way Christmas & Holidays. However, the donation boxes provided by Let's Grow Networks play a crucial role in tying up any loose ends, ensuring that no need is left unmet.

“Donations collected at these boxes help fill tags needing a little extra something or those that weren’t returned at all,” Joley Martin, Wylie ISD Family Liaison, said.

The Sotos love to give back to the community their children have benefitted from.

“Our school district is the heart of the community,” said Diana, who also serves as Let’s Grow Networks’ operation manager. “Since our children have been attending, we were introduced to the Wylie Way Christmas & Holidays drive, and it holds a special place in our hearts.”

“It’s a labor of love to make the community connections and encourage participation at such a level – all for our kids,” Martin said.