Townie Santa Looking for Volunteer Elves

“Townie Santa” will be visiting many of Charlestown’s elderly, needy shut-ins on Sunday, Dec. 23, to deliver Christmas gifts, a gift certificate for groceries and a turkey dinner. 

Santa may be any one of several dozen neighbors who will devote this morning to sharing the spirit of Christmas with those who have difficulty getting up and about.

Delivery of the baskets will begin at noon from James W. Conway Bunker Hill Post 26, The American Legion, 23 Adams St. People with cars as well as those without are needed for this important task. Those who do not have their own transportation will be paired with a driver to assist with the delivery. 

It takes just a short time commitment, and all deliveries are usually done by 1 p.m.

In addition, a few volunteers are needed at 10 a.m. to assist with the final food preparations and packing, and for those who would like an inside task, a clean-up crew will be needed at 1 p.m.

If you are interested in donating to Townie Santa to help support this effort, please send checks made out to “Townie Santa” to P.O. Box 54, Charlestown, MA 02129.

For additional information, call Tim Conway at 617-241-9266 or e-mail TownieSanta@gmail.com.

Townie Santa, now in its 32nd year, is made up entirely of volunteers with no affiliation to any one organization. The committee has but one common goal and that is to make Christmas a happier time for many of Charlestown's elderly, needy shut-ins, seniors who, because of age and/or distance, have limited contact with family members and friends.

Meetings are being held with Charlestown social service agencies, churches, senior home care providers, visiting nurses and others to update the list of recipients and to make sure a visit is made to the neediest of Charlestown's shut-ins. These seniors await the arrival of Townie Santa with the anticipation of a youngster on Christmas morning.