Santa is back from his mini vacation after the whirlwind of the 2014 Christmas season. We thought we’d have all the wrap-up information for you by Dec. 31, but he and his office staff were so tired, they took a longer break than usual. Santa would like all the readers to know that he had a wonderful time supervising all of his elves working in Brunswick, getting ready for the big day!

The Santa Claus Fund served 250 families in 2015 compared to the 240 families from 2013. Of these families, 24 were first-time applicants. In total, 556 children made the “good boys and girls” list — 281boys and 275 girls.

If you remember, we were about $2,000 sort of our cash goal on Christmas Eve. The Santa Fund is very grateful for the after Christmas gifts that were sent in while Santa was on vacation! Exactly $2,333.30 was received, putting us over the goal. Yaaay! Including the gifts of toys, hats, mittens and scarves — and more — the total raised for 2014 was $50,444.30 The Santa Fund ended the season on a very high note!

Those contributors that put us over the top are: The Hampton Inn Staff of Bath $65, $30 from Robert Long in Memory of Barbara Laberge, Cam Niven and all the Times Record great staff, including George Almasi. Robert also would like to send a special greetings to Dave Desjardin!

In addition, $25 was received from Lucy Hodgdon in Memory of Clarence Hodgdon, from his wife Lucy, and another $25 in Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Michaud, George and Davey Michaud, Rose Livernois, Lorraine Cote, and Monica Bernier. $100 was received from an anonymous donor in Memory of Priscilla Montgomery and Deborah Patterson sent $30 in Memory of Roberta A. Smith. Additional cash gifts were from Dallas Smith $20, Bill Cockburn $20, Linda and David Power $25, and $25 from Hazel McIntire. Just received this week was the frosting on the cake… $25 from Picture Framers Inc., $1,000 from Reny’s Charitable Contributions and $943.30 raised by the Brunswick Junior High School 6th Grade 18th Annual Santa Claus Fund Auction!

This was an absolutely amazing year and the Santa Claus Fund, sponsored by the Elks Lodges of Bath and Brunswick, thank everyone involved in making the season brighter for 250 families in our communities!

Our mailbox will continue to be open for the year for correspondence and contributions for the 2015 season, as we must always be looking to the future.

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

This summer, you might check out Facebook just in case Santa decides to go hitech!

Our next update will be in November of 2015 — Ho! Ho! Ho! Happy New Year!