The 2010 Santa Claus Fund
Published: Monday, November 29, 2010 2:13 PM EST
We begin each day at the North Pole Annex never knowing what will happen next.
We do have a plan, and we do execute those plans, but things happen. For example, out of the blue I received a phone call from a woman in Topsham. She said to me, “I have about 85 knitted mittens and hats that I wish to donate to the Santa Claus Fund.”
She recently moved here to Maine, and she was not familiar with our program. So she asked a friend if she knew of an organization that would distribute hats and mittens to kids in need. Her friend suggested the Santa Claus Fund, so she tracked me down. Her name is Diane Moody and she knits for a hobby. We spoke for a few minutes on the phone, and we made arrangements to meet. Thank goodness for GPS!
She was a very pleasant lady and her work is amazing. The mittens are in all colors and sizes for young children. She had them sorted by sizes in clear plastic tubs.
People like Diane Moody are proof we are a great caring community. So thank you, Diane, our kids will benefit from your talents and generosity.
Each year I share these experiences with you because I find it fascinating. The kindness and generosity of the American people is greater than a lot of people realize. And it just keeps happening.
Here’s another example of an amazing surprise that happened Friday. I picked up the mail at the post office early Friday morning. There were several pieces of mail. I was intrigued by one particular envelope.
First, it was beige, and that got my attention. The second thing that caught my eye was the logo on the outside of the envelope. It said in bold print “Village Candle.”
I had to open it when I got back to my car. It was calling me, you know the feeling you get sometimes. Upon opening the envelope, I found a beautifully written note inside. It said, “On behalf of the Village Candle Sunshine Fund, I am happy to enclose a check for $500, sent as our contribution to the Santa Claus Fund.”
This was such a pleasant surprise. It’s a great example of how generous our friends in the business community are each year. We want to thank the committee who voted unanimously to support our organization. And thank you to Cindy Neprash, chairwoman of the Village Candle Sunshine Fund, who wrote such an eloquent message to our group. Local kids will have a better Christmas because of your generosity.
Our own group surprises me too. On very short notice, Thanksgiving night and the Friday morning after, I called upon three of my volunteers to help me get the annex ready for today — when the toys arrive. We had our work cut out for us this year to clear the room.
Bud Aumick, Joe Fournier, Mort Hamlin, and Mort’s son Ed, responded without hesitation. These guys took their jackets off and went right to work. Within an hour, we had the place ready. I really appreciated your help, gentlemen.
I want our readers know that sometimes I call upon the volunteers to go the extra mile, and they always do. I am always pleasantly surprised. I just thought you should know about the kind of people behind the scenes at the Santa Claus Fund.
We always have a history of receiving support from some folks year after year. Our good friend Arthur Johansen left us this year, and he will be sadly missed. He was one of the first to work on the committee, since its inception. His widow, Barbara, sent us a contribution in his memory and in memory of their daughter, Debbie Johansen. Thank you, Barbara, for your donation of $50, and in keeping the tradition of the Johansen family as part of our family.
We also received a $35 donation and a box of assorted toys from the Midcoast Retired Educators. Thank you folks for your kindness. The kids are going to enjoy your gifts.
This brings us to a new 2010 total of $5,118. Thank you very much.
If you would like to help us out this year, you can send your contribution to: The Santa Claus Fund Inc., P.O. Box 278, Brunswick, ME 04011. We will publish your donation in the next day’s paper. If you wish to donate in the memory of a loved one, we will honor your requests.
If you need assistance from the Santa Claus Fund, you can write to the same address listed above. Please submit request letters by Dec. 10. We need your name and address as well as a phone number to contact you.
You must be the parent or legal guardian of the children for whom you seek help. Please list the names, ages, genders and the dates of birth of your children.
When approved, you will be contacted by a staff member. That person will issue a box number and a date and time to pick up your package. When you pick up your package, we will ask for photo identification.
Please complete all the requirements, and your request will be expedited. Thank you for your cooperation.
Look for us on Tuesday with an update right here in The Times Record.
news@timesrecord.com
www.timesrecord.com/articles/2010/11/29/news/doc4cf3e5ef51289441877489.txt