By CHRISTINE GALEONE

It’s true that there’s no shortage of depressing news in our country and our world. But there’s also no shortage of good news. The latter just seems to frequently get pushed aside.

Thankfully, it’s easy to see a lot of the good things happening in Grafton. Many local businesses, organizations and residents have been spreading cheer in so many different ways.  

One very distinctive person who’s known for spreading Christmas cheer is Santa. On Saturday, Dec. 17, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. (with a rain date of Sunday Dec. 18), the Grafton Fire Department will escort the jolly old elf through neighborhoods throughout Grafton. His tour will begin in South Grafton, proceed to North Grafton and end in the center of Town.

The Grafton Police Department has also been bringing joy to kids by once again helping an area nonprofit. On Nov. 26, the GPD held its annual Fill the Cruiser event. The toy drive benefitted Toys for Kids and Teens, the nonprofit run by Blackstone Valley veterans – that provides new toys and bikes for area families in need during the holidays. After the drive, the GPD thanked everyone who made the event so successful. Particularly generous donations were made by Homefield Credit Union, Grafton Lions Club, All Phase Glass, Precision Services and Adams Plumbing.

Because animals need some cheer too, Quite Fetching, the barkery and boutique located on the Grafton Common, which sells items such as specialty cakes for pets, pupcakes, dog toys and pet holiday items (including gingerbread house kits for dogs), has been helping homeless animals.  The shop has a giving tree decorated with pet-themed ornaments. Customers can purchase the ornaments by donating to Safe With Us Animal Rescue.     

Chuck Brown, the founder and owner of Bread Guy Breads, has been establishing an exciting partnership with Grafton High School for a new venture that will uplift and empower students in the school’s 18-22 program. The GAIN (Grafton Achieving Independence Now) program will teach the students excellent work skills, as well as baking skills through a program inspired by the successful Sugar Shack in Westborough. Initiated by Jay Cummings, the superintendent of Grafton Public Schools, GAIN’s storefront will be located between Grafton Pizza and Donut Star in North Grafton.   

Although last month Truth Organic Spa in North Grafton was devastated by a fire that left the spa uninhabitable, it has since been the recipient of so much good cheer through an outpouring of support that it has just joyfully re-opened at a temporary location last week. The new location is at 74 North Main Street in North Grafton.  

With plenty of bad news in the world, it’s wonderful to know that there are many people of good cheer who are sharing their gifts and resources with the community in so many ways. We wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy holiday season!

Contact Christine with your business news items at [email protected].