Although we are not sure of the exact number of years the Holiday Helper Program has been around, while interviewing Patti Ploof and Dawn Rogers, co-chairs of Holiday Helpers we know between them that it has been going on for north of 42 years. This year for the second year in a row, the SLVFD toy drive has had to reposition to the Saranac Lake Baptist Church in an effort to support social distancing due to the COVID -19 pandemic. We are grateful to Pastor Ryan and the folks at the Baptist church for providing space not only for this toy drive but also as the location for distribution day which will be held on December 18th this year.

According to Patti and Dawn 90 families have requested assistance this year. Those families include 173 children age 12 and under who will be able to receive Christmas presents through the Holiday Helpers program. In addition to the toys and clothing for each child, each family will be provided a food basket to help throughout Christmas Vacation.

This year Dawn and Patti feel the organization is in a better financial position than last year. This is based on the amazing support of the community. There have been fewer financial donations from civic organizations not because of unwillingness, but because fund raising operations have been hampered by Covid restrictions; however individual donations have increased to fill the void.

Each year we try to highlight individual donors; however there are so many we could not possibly name them all and fear we might forget someone.

The SLVFD Toy Drive was held from 10am to 2pm today. If you missed it there is still plenty of time to donate an unwrapped toy by dropping off at the Best Western in Saranac Lake by December 15th.

Monetary donations can be sent to Holiday Helpers PO Box 543 Saranac Lake NY 12983

Any questions for Holiday Helpers can be addressed to slholidayhelper@gmail.com or the Holiday Helpers Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SLHolidayHelpers

The SLVFD and the Holiday Helpers are so proud of our community. There are so many amazing people willing to give so freely to those in need. This program cannot continue without the communities support, we are very fortunate to live in a community where that support flows so freely.