Wednesday, Nov. 19: A perfect day to unload and inventory eight pallets of toys delivered to us by our wonderful friends at Reny’s, the Maine department store. It sure was an adventure sorting out socks and gloves in many sizes and between boys colors and girls colors. Then came the Tonka trucks, baby dolls, science kits, games and toboggans! Like a well-oiled machine, we were done in three hours… Would anyone object if we stopped and played with some of the toys?

Three applications were received on Wednesday, bringing the total of “Smiles” (children) to 64. The mailbag also brought in some very nice donations, and they are as follows: $200 from Sally T. & William E. Haggett, $50 from Joseph E. Sheehan Sr.; $40 in memory of George S. Byras frim the Byras family, $25 from the members of Electa Chater #2, Order of the Eastern Star in Bowdoinham, and $25 from Elizabeth Newman in memory of Hugh Leavitt. There was also two “goodie bags” left at the Elks Club in Brunswick. Martha Pratt brought in 42 hats and three infant blankets, all hand knit, valued at $435, and an anonymous benefactor brought in $64 worth of books and toys. This has put us well over the $1,800 mark — thank you, everyone!

Lest anyone forget, our service area is Brunswick, Topsham, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Richmond, Litchfield, Harpswell (Great Island and Cundy’s Harbor included), Orrs Island, Bailey Island, Bath, West Bath, Phippsburg, Sebasco, Woolwich, Arrowsic and Georgetown. The custodial parent or legal guardian is the only person who may apply, and they and the children must be residents in one of these towns. No exceptions!

Mail applications and donations to:

The Santa Claus Fund
P.O. Box 278
Brunswick, ME 04011

Donations of new toys and games, knitted items, gift cards, or cash, may be brought to the Elks Club at 179 Park Row in Brunswick, or on Lombard Street in Bath. Just ring the doorbell and someone will assist you. All donations will be published in the Times Record in the manner you wish: By name, in memory of a loved one, or anonymously. It will be our pleasure.

Applicants, each letter must include:

1) The name and the physical address, as well as a daytime telephone number of the adult applying. A Post Office box address will be rejected. If we have any questions, we will call for clarification.

2) The first and last name of each child, gender, age, and date of birth must be included. No exceptions! We ask for gender because not every name is only used for a boy or girl.

3) Call us a few days after mailing your letter for your box number and pickup location. We will also try to reach you, but will not leave a message with a child.

So until next time — Ho! Ho! Ho!