The Santa Fund would like to thank all the committee members of the Bath Elks Jingle Jam for all the hard work they have been putting in to raise money for us. You may have seen the posters and flyers around town, and if you’ve missed them, then here is a recap.

Saturday, Dec. 10 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., there will be a musical extravaganza at the Bath Elks Club on Lambard St, behind the City Hall. Area musicians are donating their time and talent to provide family entertainment for everyone. There will be craft tables and cookie decoration, along with face painting and other surprises for the kids from 3-7 p.m. and then it’s adult time from 7-10 p.m. Admission is $5 per adult and no charge for children. Food and beverages will be available for sale and there will be a bake sale and silent auction as well. Unwrapped new toys to put under the tree will be greatly appreciated. For more information, find the Jingle Jam Facebook page and see all the acts lined up! See you there!

The running total of donations to date are $2,732 in checks and cash plus $16,190 worth of toys and knitted items for a total of $18,923. This includes the latest donations from Pitter Patter of $150 by check and $307 worth of hats, books from Lisa Marie’s valued at $38, toys from Island Treasures worth $35, and checks or cash from James Day $100, Gary Anderson $10, Just Framing $20, Bill Giroux $100 and $75 from Now You’re Cooking. Thank you! No applications were received. If you know someone who could use some help this year, please put them in touch with us!

The Santa Fund accepts donations of new toys, games, hats, mittens, gift cards, or cash, which 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. We are a 501(c)3 organization and all donations are tax deductible to extent of the law. Please visit our Facebook page “The Santa Fund, Inc.” LIKE us and SHARE us! Help spread the word…

As always, we ask our readers for assistance in getting out the word.. Our mailing address for applications and donations by check or money order is:

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

The Santa Claus Fund provides gifts to boys and girl aged 6 months to 13 years old as of Dec. 25, 2016 who physically reside in the towns of Brunswick, Litchfield and all of the towns in Sagadahoc County: Topsham, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Richmond, Harpswell, Bath, West Bath, Phippsburg, Woolwich, Arrowsic, Georgetown, Five Islands, Sebasco, Orr’s & Bailey Island, and Cundy’s Harbor.

The custodial parent or legal guardian is the only person who may apply. The address for applying is the P.O. Box listed above. If you know someone who could use some help, please share this information. To receive assistance, both the children and the adult applicant must be legal residents of a town in our distribution area. Only one letter will be accepted, so in the instance of split custody where parents live in different towns, the town where the child attends school will be used to determine which parent may apply. If you have a question regarding this policy, you may call for clarification. Our telephone number is 207-751- 6385.

Applications will be accepted until noon on December 17, 2016. We try to fill the applications the day after receipt. Please call us a few days after mailing your letter for your gift box number and pickup location. We will also try to reach you, but will not leave a message with a child.

Each letter must include:

1) The name and the physical address, as well as a daytime telephone number of the adult applying. If we have any questions, we will call for clarification. A Post Office box address will be rejected.

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 and Santa’s Elves don’t want to be embarrassed for their gift selections.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will be the Taste of Maine’s Annual Community Toy Drive co-hosted by the United Bikers of Maine. This event coincides with their last Sunday Buffet of the season. Admission is $1 per person plus an unwrapped, new toy to be donated to local charities. The Santa Fund is one of the charities again this year. This is definitely a family friendly event! The Taste of Maine Facebook page has more details.

Watch this space for updates, as donations are received. Let’s make our 49th year better than ever! HoHo- HO!