Their Christmas lists often contain tablets, MP3 players and the hottest rage in video games. We rush around on the weekends and wake up early on “Black Friday” to get our kids and grandkids the latest and greatest laptop or electronic device. It is often forgotten that there are children who need socks, hats and mittens. These children are in our towns, our neighborhoods, our schools.
Since 1967, the Santa Claus Fund has helped make Christmas morning a little merrier for these families.
There are so many ways you could help, and each way is important. You can make a tax-deductible donation by sending a check or money order to The Santa Claus Fund Inc. PO Box 278, Brunswick 04011.
You can donate toys, games, mittens, hats, or a gift card: They can be dropped off at either the Bath Elks Lodge, 9 Lambard St., Bath; or the Brunswick Elks Lodge at 179 Park Row.
If you like to crochet or knit, we can always use homemade hats and mittens, and there is always a need for labor if you are available to work a few hours or a few days.
If you are unable to drop off your donation, give us a call at 319-5026 and we will arrange a pickup.
If you need assistance this year to help make Christmas brighter for your family, please send us a letter.
You must be the parent or legal guardian of the child or children, and you must include your name, phone number and legal physical address — no PO boxes. Also include your children’s names, dates of birth, ages and genders, and mail to The Santa Claus Fund Inc. PO Box 278, Brunswick 04011.
Then, call 319-5026 after a few days for the status of your request.
If your request is approved, you will be given a box number, time and location to pick up your boxes. You must live in Bath, Bowdoin,
Bowdoinham, Brunswick, Durham, Georgetown, Harpswell, Litchfield, Phippsburg, Popham, Richmond, Topsham, West Bath or Woolwich to participate.
A massive thank you to Dave Desjardins, who has dedicated 13 years to the Santa Claus Fund and stepped down as chairman this year, retiring to sunny Florida. We cannot express how much we appreciate all Dave has put into the Santa Claus Fund all these years.
Stepping up to take his position is Robert Thiboutot. Bob has jumped in and hit the ground running. We are very thankful that Bob has so enthusiastically taken this position and is already working toward making this year stellar.
I would also like to extend a thank you to all the people who donated items, gave monetary contributions or provided their time and labor last year. Without all your help, this would not be possible.
You helped make Christmas morning bright for 627 children in 2012. I look forward to keeping everyone updated every Friday in The Times Record.
TO MAKE A DONATION, send to the Santa Claus Fund Inc., P.O. Box 278, Brunswick, 04011.
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