SACO — Thornton Academy’s Mary Weymouth Hyde Library was transformed into Santa’s workshop Wednesday afternoon.

There were sacks of gifts, piles of gift wrap and students stationed at table wrapping up presents for local families in need.

It’s a tradition that goes back more than 20 years, say school officials.

The Salvation Army identifies families in need, and members of the Thornton Academy community purchase presents for the families. Students volunteer to wrap gifts and help deliver them to the Salvation Army in Old Orchard Beach.

The families remain anonymous, but the school is given the ages of the family members, clothing sizes and wish-list items.

Student Council Advisors Caryn Lasante and Mary Ann Martin, appropriately dressed as elves Wednesday afternoon for the annual wrapping party, organized the event.

“Thank you so much. You’re going to make someone’s Christmas so bright,” Lasante told students.
Martin said the school community purchased items for about 11 families, in total about $5,000 worth of presents.

“Everybody’s very generous,” she said.

The vibe Wednesday afternoon in the library was festive, and students appeared to be having fun as they wrapped gifts and organized them to be distributed.

“I think it’s awesome,” said junior Kayla Strout. “It’s so nice to do this for the children. It’s great to think we’re going to make them happy on Christmas.”

Senior Nicole Ledoux said she’s participated in the gift buying effort all four years of high school, and her younger brother, who is a sophomore, also participates. 

“I love doing it,” she said. “I think it’s a wonderful thing to help the community like this.”

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].