Santa Fund for area kids enters its 116th year

Santa Claus may spend a whirlwind evening every Dec. 24 delivering presents to girls and boys around the world, but it’s the aptly named Santa Fund that helps take care of kids around Central Virginia the rest of the year.

Entering its 116th year, the Santa Fund doles out dollars to area children needing shoes, coats, clothes or medicine. Referrals most often come from school officials and the fund serves children from kindergarten to high school in Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson and Orange counties, as well as the city of Charlottesville.

Stores such as Belk, Dollar General, Kmart, Marshalls, Roses and T.J. Maxx support the program that offers once-a-year vouchers ranging from $50 to $70.

James H. Lindsey, founding publisher of The Daily Progress, started the fund in 1894 and it remains backed by the paper and by WINA-AM. The United Way — Thomas Jefferson Area administers the money, which remains very much in demand.

“We’re less than three months into the [fiscal year], and we’ve already helped 1,700 children,” said Cathy Train, president of the local United Way. “Normally we have about 2,100 to 2,200 kids we help each year, so we’re more than halfway there but less than two-and-a-half months into [the year].”

At a time when organizations from the Toy Lift and Toys for Tots to the Salvation Army and the Thomas Jefferson Area Food Bank are asking for help, the Santa Fund remains relevant, United Way officials say.

“Families are pretty strapped today, especially in this economy,” Train said. “Things are pretty tight for a lot of people as folks have lost their jobs, the rent has gone up or their hours at work have been cut back. This is a year when the need seems to be pretty significant. Nelson County has already spent everything they had.”

Train noted that times were tough last year, as well.

That led to a record-breaking contribution total of $140,233.60, which shattered 2007’s then-record $129,090 and obliterating the $100,000 goal. Officials recognize the current recession has affected many and have set their goal the same for this year, at $100,000.

“We feel pretty good that we’re lucky enough to be able to help people out in an economy like this,” Train said. “If we can help out and make others’ lives a little easier, we should do that.”

Santa Fund donation envelopes are available at most area bank branches, The Daily Progress offices at 685 W. Rio Road and at the WINA-AM studio at 1140 Rose Hill Drive. Contributions may be mailed to the Santa Fund, 806 E. High Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902.