Eagle Santa Fund gets a good start toward $45K goal

Posted: 11/29/2012 12:02:52 AM EST

Updated: 11/29/2012 11:50:06 AM EST

PITTSFIELD -- Buoyed by several sizable donations, The Eagle Santa Fund is off to a good start toward bringing joy to local children this holiday season.

The $6,115 raised to date is ahead of last year's pace at this time. This season's goal is $45,000, according to fund organizers.

Catherine Wandrei, The Eagle's human resources manager, cited how special events like Santa Fund Pub Crawl earlier this month gave the 83rd annual fundraiser an early boost.

"These are events held by individuals who decide to do this on their own time," Wandrei said. "This helps us a lot because we don't have a great deal of fundraising throughout the year."

"The events also help highlight the fund, giving it more publicity," added Nancy McLean, a Santa Fund volunteer.

Among the upcoming Santa Fund-related fundraisers is a two-night concert at Chameleons on East Street in Pittsfield. The music club will stage shows on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, 7 at p.m., featuring bands from the Berkshires, as well as Albany, N.Y., Springfield and New York City areas. Those 18 years of age and older can attend; the suggested donation is $10 each night.

While the special events spotlight The Eagle Santa Fund, individual donations have been its mainstay since it was established in 1929 at the dawn of the Great Depression.

"The small donations really add up to a great deal of money to help give kids a gift," said Wandrei.

Funds buy pre-school toys for children under 3 years old, while parents or guardians of children 3 to 11 receive a $40 gift certificate, redeemable at Walmart in Pittsfield, toward the purchase of a gift for their youngsters.

Families seeking to access The Eagle Santa Fund have until Friday to apply at the Salvation Army on West Street. Applications are available from 9 a.m. to noon.

Last year, 1,450 ara children benefited from the fund, according to organizers.

Contributions to the fund can be listed in the donor's name, in memory of loved ones, or anonymously.

Donors and their contributions will be listed in the paper unless otherwise noted. Donations are tax-deductible.

Donations can be mailed to The Eagle Santa Fund, P.O. Box 1172, Pittsfield, MA, 01202, or dropped off at The Berkshire eagle office at 75 South Church St. in Pittsfield.

Today's gifts

Smile young ones, Santa loves you all! Santa's Helper $25

Crane & Co. Stationary Division Dalton 145

Jim & Sue Coxon 50

Merry Christmas to all 25

Helping to keep Christ in Christmas 25

Fay J. Henry 100

Merry Christmas! Emil & Mary Fontana 50

Chuck & Karen Varney 80

Arthur & Barbara Gordon 250

Night Cruzers of Berkshire County Inc. 250

Josie Janssen 30