To the editor:
Operation Santa of Rindge has had another successful year, serving 25 families with 73 children. The program, now more than 30 years in action, is a function of the Rindge Woman’s Club.
In 1897, a young girl named Virginia inquired to the editor of the New York Sun if there were really a Santa Claus. The response was that “as long as love and generosity and devotion exist” there will be a Santa.
Any one of the hundreds of people who participated in any small or large way in this effort can be counted as a real Santa. First to the members of the Club who made tags, shopped for winter clothing, wrapped gifts or helped with the effort to move 60 contractor bags from the house to the garage, and even posted temporary signs on the street, are to be thanked. We received monetary donations from P.O.O.R., Jaffrey-Rindge Rotary and private citizens who wish to remain anonymous; we couldn’t have done it without you. We thank the Ingalls Library, TD Bank, Verizon and Walmart for allowing “giving trees”. Emma’s 123 Restaurant was kind enough to collect new toys for both Rindge and Jaffrey. Students of Franklin Pierce University saw to it that each child had new books and warm socks. The Accounting Department of FPU adopted an entire family, as did the Rindge Chamber of Commerce, and an anonymous private couple as well. Most importantly, we thank the innumerable kind people who took tags and fulfilled the wishes of children. There were tons of smiles on children’s faces on Christmas morning thanks to all the “real Santa’s” in our area.
Gratefully,
Marilyn Griska & Rae DuVernay
Rindge