Operation Santa Claus provides clothing and toys to over 3,000 children living in difficult personal and economic situations across the state. The annual campaign, currently in its 51st year, is a program of the New Hampshire State Employees' Association. Organizers report record need this year and they still have over 100 children who need help.
The children range in age from newborns through high school age. Their stories are different, however their basic needs for safety, food and shelter are shared:
Three preschool sisters are living with their aunt, who is a single parent with limited money. All of them need clothing.
A 10-year-old boy, the oldest of five siblings, tries to care for the younger children since his mother abandoned the family and their dad must work two jobs.
A 13-year-old girl is now in foster care because her stepfather sexually abused her.
An 8-year-old girl is living with her aunt since her mother's death loves board games, drawing and reading, and needs clothing – especially socks.
Fourteen-year-old twins whose mother has terminal cancer.
A 17-year-old who is struggling to cope with the recent loss of his father to cancer wants work boots.
Sponsors will receive a list of what a particular child needs and wants, from clothing to a special toy or game. Sponsors are then asked to shop for and deliver the items to Operation Santa Claus headquarters in Concord and other drop-off points across the state. Cash donations are also welcome, as SEA members will shop for the children who remain unsponsored each year.
The deadline for gifts to be in is Dec. 2. Anyone interested in sponsoring a child can go to the SEA. website seiu1984.org or telephone 800-852-3737.
