ATHOL – The children’s reactions are a heartwarming sight when they find Santa Claus and his elves standing outside their homes bearing gifts on a pre-Christmas Saturday morning. Squeals of excitement at Santa’s unexpected appearance, some rushing to give him a hug, others literally jumping for joy are often part of the package during the Athol Santa Fund’s annual toy deliveries to children ages 13 and under.
The community project has been sponsored for just over seven decades by the Athol Daily News and supported in the last few years by the Athol Lions Club. This year, project chair Kimberly Emond said the long-standing Athol Daily News Santa Fund name was changed to the Athol Santa Fund since the newspaper and the Athol Lions Club are now a joint venture, with the funds being handled by the club.
Emond said the Dec. 14 delivery date is earlier than usual so that families who have signed up can pick up the gifts before Christmas, from Dec. 18 through Dec. 23 at the Athol Daily News office if they will not be at home or if an adult doesn’t want the gift delivered because the child or children won’t be there.
Toys for Tots local coordinator Mark Ellis said Marine Corps League, Detachment 1168 based out of the North Quabbin region will be setting up toy collection boxes at the Orange Walmart on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting Nov. 29 through Dec. 15., with additional drop sites set up at local banks, Starrett’s, Quabbin Valley Auction, Miller’s Woods, and the Athol Senior Center. The Walmart drop off area will be supported on Sundays by the Red Knights Motorcycle Club, the Eagle Riders from the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Rolling Thunder of Vermont, Det.#1.
Ellis said the “very local” Robert Carey family that has been involved for many years will again be lending their support. The toys, which must be new and unwrapped, will be given to the Athol Santa Fund and the Pioneer Junior Women’s Club for distribution. Ellis said he can be reached at 978-724-8800 for any questions.
Families from the North Quabbin region can sign up for the Athol Santa Fund at the Athol Daily News, 225 Exchange St., during business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Current proof of residency, (any mail that is first class), and a photo i.d. is required. A driver’s license cannot be used. For children who live outside Athol, their gifts will be available for pickup at the Athol Daily News. A description of the house along with the correct entrance is helpful. For more information call 978-249-3535.
Monetary donations can be brought to the Athol Daily News or mailed to Athol Lions Club, P.O. Box 293, Athol, MA 01331. Checks can be made out to “Athol Santa Fund” or “Athol Lions Club” with Athol Santa Fund written on the memo line.
“Each year, the amount of support that we get through the local businesses and community is very inspiring,” Emond said.
Reach Kathy Chaisson at 978-249-3535, ext. 656, or kchaisson@atholdailynews.com.