Submitted by the Bedford Community Santa Program
Back in 1945-6, World War II ended, the bikini debuted, a dozen eggs cost $0.58, Nat King Cole first began singing the words “Chestnuts Roasting Over an Open Fire,” and volunteers in Bedford started visiting children and bringing gifts on Christmas Eve.
2024 marks the Bedford Community Santa Program’s 78th year making Christmas Eve visits in town, and the program is inviting the community to participate.
Get a visit:
Registration is still open for Dec. 24 visits. This free program is sustained entirely by donations and the only requirement to participate is visiting a Bedford household with a child under the age of 12 in attendance. Are the cousins or grandchildren visiting from out of town, sign them up! Registrants do not have to celebrate Christmas to participate in this Bedford tradition. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to apply. Go to bedfordsanta.com or email [email protected] for more information or to register.
Please register this week, even if the number of children may change at the visit, so that routes can be planned and volunteers recruited.
Lend a hand:
It can take nearly 100 volunteers to make the Bedford Santa program run in a year. Bedford Santa could especially use help on Dec. 24 from around 4 to 8 p.m. Volunteers are needed to wear the suit, drive, and support teams. Drivers will need a car and a valid license, but training, clothing, materials, and supplies will be provided for all other roles.
The evening is a great community service opportunity for high school and college students, families who have graduated from the program, empty nesters, someone interested in experiencing some holiday magic, and anyone looking to start new traditions with a great group of volunteers.
For more information fill out the volunteer registration form at bedfordsanta.com or call 781-275-8558.
Support your neighbors:
With an increase in the number of families needing support in town this year, consider donating $25 denomination gift cards to Target, TJMaxx/Marshalls, Ocean State Job Lot, Amazon, or Walmart so that parents and caregivers in Bedford can purchase holiday gifts for their children.
Gift cards can be dropped off through the end of December to the drop box in the lobby of the Bedford Police Station, to Youth & Family Services or the Health Department offices on the second floor of the Town Center Building, at the Rotary Club Winter Breakfast on Sunday, Dec. 10, at Bedford Santa Gift Drop Day (Saturday, Dec. 16, JGMS starting at 9 a.m.) or by contacting [email protected].
Spread the word:
Tell your neighbors and contacts about the Bedford Santa program, share Bedford Santa Facebook posts, and let people know. The more the merrier!
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