BY SHEILA MALLON

Secret Santas are a very special group of caring people.

No one will know the gift they give except the child who receives it and their Creator. They expect no praise, no recognition, no reward. Their desire is purely to give a poor child a gift so this Christmas will be happier.

Their reward is the knowledge that they have touched one young life and made the spirit of Christmas real for a needy child.

So, for all the would-be Santas out there, I want to give you an opportunity to share in a special way with very deprived children in foster care.

Many of them are young and have severe physical and emotional disabilities. For instance, Jaquello P. is two-and-a-half. An adorable boy, he was born without his right foot. This courageous little child has adjusted well to a prosthesis and is active and outgoing. His wish list includes a red wagon, a child's tape recorder (Sing Along) and trucks.

John W., 6, is terminally ill with full-blown AIDS. His mother died and John was placed in foster care. Despite his illness, he is outgoing and has a lovely smile. He goes to kindergarten but is ill so often that school is a real struggle. John would love a 20-inch bicycle, a Spell and Count computer and a child's radio.

Rene, 6, is a sweet child who is growing into a lovely little girl. She's had a difficult time because of several moves to different foster homes. She now has a foster parent who is trying to give her the stability and nurturing she desperately needs. Her behavior has improved and she is blossoming at last. She would love a Big Wheel, a cassette recorder and "My First Computer."

There are also older children whose needs are as great but who are often overlooked. There is Sanchez H. He is 15, has cerebral palsy and has been diagnosed as profoundly mentally retarded. The police found Sanchez crawling in the street near his mother's home. Her whereabouts are unknown. Sanchez would love high top tennis shoes, men's size 8, a winter jacket, men's size small, and a Fisher Price windup musical toy.

Stanceia S.,14, is another teenager in foster care. She's had a difficult and emotional year, has finally begun to make progress in counseling and seems much happier. Stanceia would love to have a boom box, jewelry (her ears are pierced), a watch or a backpack purse. In so many ways she is a typical 14-year-old girl, but one whose life has been in turmoil with severe emotional damage the result.

These are but a few of the hundreds of children in foster care who would love to receive a longed-for gift on Christmas.

If you can be a Secret Santa and would like to send a gift or check for a needy child, please contact: Miriam Bowen, (coordinator of volunteer services), Fulton County Department of Family and Children's

Services, 515 Fairburn Road, SW, Atlanta 30331-2066. Checks should be made payable to Fulton County DFACS and sent to the attention of Miriam Bowen.

God's blessing be on all you loving, giving Secret Santas and a holy and merry Christmas to you and yours.

Sheila Mallon has participated in the Secret Santa program for over 10 years.