Operation Santa Claus hopes to help 1,000 local families

EAST WILTON – For the 38th year, Operation Santa Claus will once again be helping more than 1,000 local families in need receive a little extra cheer under the Christmas tree.

This pure community service program that involves thousands of people across greater Franklin County who either donate gifts or cash or are on the receiving end of the generosity, begins now and will continue through the third week of December. The program provides gifts between $30 to $50 for each child 18 and under and for seniors 60 and older.

More than 1,000 families in Franklin County and neighboring Livermore, Livermore Falls and North New Portland are eligible to receive Operation Santa’s help.

“With the economy and more job losses in the area we’re seeing more people asking for help with basic needs,” said Judy Frost, a Community Service Program coordinator at Western Maine Community Action. “People are asking for snowsuits, boots and jackets for their children.” Also high on the list are bedding and towels.

Such basic needs requests indicate that many families are hurting from job losses to an increase in heating oil and food prices.

“This is a program very dear to my heart,” Frost said. Frost and Cindy Brophy are collecting applications now from those who would like a child or senior in need to receive a gift. The applications simply ask for a name, requested item, a short statement of need and contact information so a delivery can be made.

“We’ve had one senior in her 80s who filled out an application but didn’t fill in what she wanted. I called her and asked what she wanted and she just said, ‘surprise me,'” Brophy said smiling.

The applications used to be comprehensive, but Frost noted they’ve been made simpler because, “the idea is to get a gift under the tree.” An application online can be found here, picked up at the new WMCA office on Church Street in East Wilton or you can call 645-3764, ext. 5287 and an application will be mailed to you. The deadline for applications is Monday, Nov. 30.

The application requests are compiled and filled, either with the gift or from the cash donations the many community members, businesses and organizations provide.

Donations come in many forms, Brophy said. Some people write a check or pick up a gift and drop it off at the WMCA office each year. Employees at businesses have fund raisers, such as the crew at Franklin Savings Bank that hold a bake sale each year that provides for many gifts. Another part of the program is the donation tags that have specific requests from families that are given out. Many businesses ask for a certain number of gift tags, such as the 300 tag requests Verso Paper Co. asks and provides for each year.

Franklin Memorial Hospital’s many departments pitch in to help, too, often sponsoring families who need help.

Churches, such as St. Joseph’s, St. Rose’s and Old South Church have gift tag requests. Wal-Mart in Farmington will have gift tags available for its customers beginning Friday. Those wishing to give a gift can stop by the store, pick out a tag and buy the gift right there, Frost said.

The Farmington Rotary Club will be donating children’s pajamas again this year, while others donate their homemade mittens, hats, scarves and afghans to help keep families warm. All told, thousands of people, either on an individual basis or as a company employee, have found a way to give over the years.

“It’s really very heart-warming to see all the different ways people give,” Frost said.

Th gifts are sorted by town and delivered by many fire and police departments, NorthStar ambulance crews and volunteers.