While monetary gifts are off to a bit of a slow start, the needle craft experts are whipping up the knitted goods! Today, two different knitters who wish to remain anonymous have really delivered goods today. The first delivery produced six sets of hats and mittens, two scarves, three bibs, and a single pair of mittens. The second knitter was also very busy with her needles, sending in three sets of hats, mittens and scarves; two sets of headbands with matching mittens, and another seven pairs of mittens plus two more scarves. Some very lucky children will have warm hands and heads this winter.

This week, we’ve been busy getting our “picking rooms” set up in our temporary headquarters, and eagerly looking forward to the truckload of toys coming in from Reny’s next Wednesday. That morning promises to be filled with unloading, taking inventory and stocking Santa’s shelves! It is almost as much fun for the volunteers to see and pretend to play with the exciting new toys and games, proving we never lose the inner child.

We now have 14 letters, representing 36 children. It’s a great start, but please help spread the word early, so no one is disappointed, by applying too late. Remember, the deadline is Dec. 17 mail pick up. We know there are many more families needing help, so we will continue to publish application criteria frequently.

Our service area is Brunswick, Topsham, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Richmond, Litchfield, Harpswell, 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.

Watch this space for updates. Maybe we can exceed last year’s fund raising and put even more smiles on a child! Ho!Ho! Ho!