Tuesday, Nov. 18: Clear, bright and windy, had a few of us readying SCF secret headquarters in preparation for the major toy delivery on Wednesday. Unloading and receiving a truckload of toys is not for the faint of heart and we thank (ahead of time) the rugged volunteers that will help us. Our elves will be very busy! We’d also like to thank Bob Rocheleau, the property manager at Brunswick Landing for assisting with additional storage needs at the last minute! Phew — a big relief !

Four more applications were received on Tuesday bringing the total of “Smiles” (children) to 61. We also appreciate the monetary donation of $30 from Dr. Robert Galen. There was also an item sent in for a little girl, by an anonymous donor. We have reached the $1,000 mark!

Lest anyone forget, our service area is Brunswick, Topsham, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Richmond, Litchfield, Harpswell (Great Island and Cundy’s Harbor included), 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.

While we sincerely appreciate what people can send in, the only clothing we can really use is hats, scarves, gloves, & mittens, all of which should be new. Other clothing and outerwear would be greatly appreciated by the Salvation Army or other agencies of your choosing.

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.

So until next time — Ho! Ho! Ho!