For 41 years "Elf Louise" Locker has helped thousands of San Antonio families give their children a Merry Christmas.

Now Elf Louise needs your help--to pay the mounting costs of her battle with breast cancer.

Locker, in 1968 a Trinity University junior, borrowed letters to Santa Claus tfrom the San Antonio Post Office. She began what is now known as the Elf Louise Christmas Project. That first year nine underprivileged families with children, who otherwise would not have experienced the joy of Christmas, received a visit from Santa Claus and Christmas gifts. This year her goal is to help 7,100 families with 33,000 area children.

But recently Elf Louise was diagnosed with breast cancer. She's currently undergoing treatment. As a self employed psychotherapist, Locker has minimal health insurance coverage. The San Antonio community that Louise has supported for so long has graciously been rallying to assist her during this difficult time.

You can help Elf Louise by donating to the fund that has been established at the Bank of San Antonio. Go to http://www.thebankofsa.com/.

Fortunately for so many underprivileged children of San Antonio, said volunteer Jerry Ferguson, the Elf Louise Christmas project will continue this Christmas season with the same tenacity, spirit and dedication that Locker has always exhibited.

Information about the project, as well as donations to this project, can be made at the project website http://www.elflouise.com/main.php.