NASHUA – With Christmas a little more than a week away, those in Greater Nashua are frantically putting the finishing touches on dinner plans and their gift-giving lists.

The Telegraph and the United Way of Greater Nashua are no different, as the newspaper’s annual Santa Fund hits its home stretch.

For five decades, the Santa Fund has helped brighten the season for many, with hundreds of thousands of dollars going to those in need.

Thus far this year, the Santa Fund campaign has raised about $20,000, with a final goal of $45,000.

Three local agencies benefit from the Santa Fund, including the Salvation Army, the Front Door Agency and SHARE Outreach in Milford. The United Way of Greater Nashua serves as the fiscal agent for the Santa Fund.

“The Santa Fund money that we raise allows those organizations to really be much more targeted in what they do,” said United Way of Greater Nashua President Mike Apfelberg. “I am confident that whatever we raise, it will be put to good use in the community.”

Whether it’s monetary donations or donations of gifts cards and toys, every little bit helps so the holiday season can be a little brighter for area families.

“SHARE’s inclusion in the Santa Fund is allowing us to extend our reach for the holidays,” Executive Director Christine Janson said. “We are able to serve families in communities not usually served by SHARE, helping dozens more kids and their families who would not otherwise be eligible for holiday assistance.”

Donations of goods may be dropped off at any of the three participating agencies – the Salvation Army, 300 Main St.; the Front Door Agency, 7 Concord St.; and SHARE Outreach, 1 Columbus Ave. in Milford. Donations also may be be dropped off at the United Way of Greater Nashua, 20 Broad St. in Nashua, as well as The Telegraph, 110 Main St. Suite 1 in downtown Nashua.

Non-monetary donations being sought are gift cards, movie tickets, young men’s and teenagers’ clothing, graphic novels, pajamas, jeans, Legos as well as socks, coats and other warm clothing.

“I’m always impressed with peoples’ generosity, and we’re filled with gratitude for all that people have done to support those in need in our community,” Apfelberg noted.

Santa Fund monetary donations are accepted online. Those wishing to make a monetary donation can use their MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express card on a secure online portal. The Web address for that portal is https://tinyurl.com/santafund2019.

Donations also can be made by texting ‘2019santa’ to 41444.

Checks may be made out to the United Way of Greater Nashua, with Santa Fund written in the memo line.

Cash donations also can be dropped off at the United Way of Greater Nashua’s office.

“It’s wonderful and it helps with serving 1,200 children this Christmas, and that money is able to help us provide Christmas for these families and bring them joy,” said Amie Groff, development director at the Salvation Army. “We’re able to provide them with clothes and toys and a family gift.”

The deadline for donations of physical gifts is Dec. 20, and the deadline for donations in monetary form is Dec. 31.

Donations can be tracked at https://app.mobilecause.com/t/ck/27z9.

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