Since 1938, T&G Santa donors have given gift of Christmas to kids in need
The Gazette Santa, as the annual drive for needy children was known at the time, first handed out gifts in 1938. Readers flooded the paper with envelopes, some with checks, some with cash.
The gift-giving continues. These days it’s called T&G Santa. The goal is the same: Make sure all kids and their families have a bright holiday.
A few things have changed over the years — online donations have lightened the December load of the T&G’s postal carrier. And the types of toys have shifted, now including electronics.
Last year, T&G Santa raised $130,066, which afforded the purchase of 9,686 toys and 1,250 books that were placed in the hands of more than 5,000 local children.
"Every child deserves a merry Christmas," said T&G Executive Editor Dave Nordman, chairman of the T&G Santa Fund.
DONATE TO THE T&G SANTA FUND
Many Central Mass. businesses, foundations and organizations contribute to the fund every year, including Worcester-based philanthropist Mary Streeter DeFeudis and the Esler family, who both donated $10,000 a year ago. The Worcester Railers HC Charitable Foundation and Osterman Management also gave $5,000.
In addition to larger donations, there are always plenty of anonymous donations, usually delivered by “Santa’s Helper.” Other donations are made in the name of deceased friend or family member.
The newspaper works with several nonprofit organizations to deliver toys, books and, of course, smiles to those in need in the region. The United Way of Central Massachusetts is a main partner in the effort.
“We at the United Way are absolutely thrilled to partner with the T&G in so many different ways but especially on the T&G Santa,” President and CEO Tim Garvin said in our chat last week. “We have a more than 100-year history of bringing joy and opportunity and hope to the children of Central Mass., and we look forward to continuing to develop and grow this program.”
Besides promoting the T&G Santa on its social media accounts, the United Way collects donations, orders the toys, books and other gifts, and oversees the delivery of those items to organizations around Massachusetts.
Emily McCann, vice president for community engagement at United Way, called it one of the most heartwarming her organization supports each year.
“Giving to the T&G fund has a lot of personal connection for people, especially this Christmas when people were thinking about the families in need because of COVID,” she said.
This year, T&G Santa will connect with children through the Salvation Army Worcester, Milford and Fitchburg, Winchendon Community Action Committee, Devereux School in Rutland, Wachusett Health Education Action Team in Clinton, Catholic Charities Family and Children’s Services in Southbridge, state Department of Mental Health in Worcester, Rainbow Child Development Center in Worcester, and Gardner Community Action Committee.
There are many ways to donate:
• Click on the "Donate to the T&G Santa Fund" below to make a contribution using your credit cards.
• Print and complete the coupon and bring along with your donation to any Commerce Bank in Worcester.
• Print and complete the coupon and mail a check or money order to Telegram & Gazette Santa Fund, c/o Commerce Bank, PO Box 15020, Worcester, MA 01615-0020.
DONATE TO THE T&G SANTA FUND
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Since 1938, T&G Santa donors have given gift of Christmas to kids in need
