We opened the doors at 9 am this morning at four different sites. Families arrived early in most cases, but it was 2 o’clock before most of the toys were picked up.

Some folks called and said they would be late, even as late as Thursday. But that’s OK, we can manage that.

All in all, it was a good day, as 529 boys and girls will have Christmas thanks to the community getting behind this program.

Forty-five years and counting, and the Santa Claus Fund completes another season.

The volunteers started Nov. 26 and finished on Dec. 18. Even Saturday, Dec. 15, became a work day. I asked for volunteers and everybody showed up. This shows the dedication our volunteers have, and how much they believe in the cause. I am proud of all these folks who gave of their time freely and made my life so much simpler. When asked, they responded without hesitation.

I asked our Brunswick Lodge members if they could be available to help load the truck, for someone to drive the truck and others to follow the truck to help unload it. Mike, Jake, Rod, Gil, another Mike, Matt, Dave, another Dave, Dudley, Al, Mitch, Bud, Octave and Bob, all were up to the challenge. Thank you guys, I couldn’t do this without your help.

— We have some donations to tell you about today, too. Duane and Marjorie Hembolt $50, Sandra Hansen $50, anonymous sent $100, Susan and Clifton Olds donated $100, Mollie Sandcock and Jim Brokaw sent $50, Priscilla and Stanley Johnson sent $25 in memory of Aaron A. Johnson, Ronald Bisson sent $25, $100 came from the employees of First Federal Savings, Daniel and Diane Doiron donated a gift of $750, Audrey Bradbury sent $25, John and Margaret Conover donated $35, Barbara Boyland-Hatch donated $100 in memory of Julian L. Hatch, Mort and Diane Hamlin donated $50, The Eaton Trap Co. Inc. donated $50, and Francis M. Hugo made a donation of $250.

It is wonderful to experience the generosity of our community. Thank you to all of you for your thoughtfulness and kindness.

— Today’s total is $1,760. That means we are at $31,352 — exceeding our goal of $30,000. Great job everybody! Thank you for making it happen.

I am always hopeful, but never sure we can reach our goal. But our readers and supporters came through for our kids again. It takes a lot to do a lot.

You have helped “Put a Smile on a Child Christmas Morning again this year.”

— If you haven’t sent in a donation but would like to help us out, it is not too late. You can send a tax-deductible donation to The Santa Claus Fund Inc. at P.O. Box 278, Brunswick 04011. We will publish your donation right up to New Year’s Eve.

Today is a travel day for me and the Mrs., but I still hope to report to you tomorrow about the latest donations.

THE SANTA CLAUS FUND reports are contributed by coordinator Dave Desjardins, “the head elf.”