11/11/2004 
By JC REINDL , Staff Writer 

PLAINVILLE -- With the holiday season approaching, the Plainville Community Food Pantry has begun seeking volunteers to help assure that children’s Christmas wishes are answered again this year. 
Now in its 10th year, the pantry’s Secret Santa program pairs area individuals, companies and organizations, with the Christmas "wish lists" of local children up to 16 years, according to Susie Woerz, the pantry’s executive director. 


Participants visit the pantry to browse profiles listing three gift requests as well as the clothing sizes and gender of about 110 children. Volunteers can choose to "adopt" one of these children along with all the items on the child’s Christmas list, or to donate just one or two separate gifts to the pantry. 

After selecting a child, the Santas go shopping, and drop off their gifts at the pantry by Dec. 6. The children’s parents then pick up the presents in time for Christmas. 

Gifts not marked for specific children are placed on a table, where the parents of qualified families may "shop" for their own children, according to Woerz. 

All children in the Secret Santa program receive Christmas gifts, thanks to the community’s ongoing generosity and support for pantry programs, Woerz said. Even larger requests like bicycles and mattresses are often met. 

"We have a lot of kids to be adopted, and hopefully there’s a lot of Secret Santas out there," Woerz said. 

Although Santas do not meet the children for whom they purchase gifts, they will typically receive a thank-you from the family after the holidays. 

The pantry determines eligibility for the program each summer, when parents with qualified income levels sign up for Secret Santas along with the pantry’s annual back-to-school and holiday meal programs. 

Those interested in becoming a Secret Santa may visit the pantry at 54 South Canal St., during business hours on Monday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or may call (860) 747-1919. 

JC Reindl can be reached at jreindl@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, ext. 236.

©The Herald 2005