Monday was off to a roaring start as we packed boxes for 58 families to put a smile on the faces of 129 children. Elves were also busy stocking the shelves with all the new donations received in the last few days. Two Bridges Jail sent in 62 handmade toys, 50 knitted hats & scarves, and 5 blankets for a total value of $1439. An anonymous donor from Harpswell sent in $350 worth of new games and stuffed animals. Checks were received from the following:

Brunswick Emblem Club $50, Frances Stewart $25, James & Celeste Pope $50, Morton Real Estate $100, Mike Rosenzweig $36 in memory of KJ, An anonymous donation of $100 in memory of Priscilla Montgomery, $150 from McElman, Inc., $50 from Phyllis & Alfred Fuchs, and $50 In loving memory of Stanley Davis from his family.

The running total of donations to date are $1902 in checks plus $15,060 worth of toys and knitted items for a total of $16,962. We are anxious to hear what the Auction held at Joshua’s Tavern last Thursday brought in. It will be a few weeks probably before we know the final tally there.

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 girls aged 6 months to 13 years old as of December 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:

December 10th is the date of the 2nd Annual Jingle Jam at the Bath Elk’s Lodge from 3pm to about 10pm. See the Facebook page for the entertainment lineup. This event is “family friendly” until 7 pm. Admission is $5 per adult (kids free) for the whole event! Unwrapped new toys for under the tree and additional donations are also accepted.

December 11th from 11-3 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! Ho-Ho- HO!