By Christine Galeone

The late singer and actress Dale Evans once said, “Christmas, my child, is love in action.” It’s a simple but profound observation that many people would agree with.  

It’s also one that reflects this season of giving. Thankfully, the season is alive and well among Grafton residents, businesses and organizations. 

One very distinctive person who’s known for spreading Christmas cheer is Santa. On Saturday, Dec. 21, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Grafton Fire Department – which has been spreading lots of joy itself by collecting toys for Toys for Tots – will once again escort Santa and his buddy, the Grinch, through neighborhoods in Grafton. A tracking link will be available once they set off on their journey.

The Grafton Police Department has also been bringing joy to kids by continuing to help an area nonprofit. Last month, the GPD held its annual Fill the Cruiser event at Homefield Credit Union. 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. Additionally, the GPD recently raised $1,500 for Project New Hope Inc., a nonprofit that serves veterans. 

Like Homefield Credit Union, Highfields Golf & Country Club also helped kids in need by hosting a toy drive. It recently hosted the 12th annual Santapalooza concert and a separate buffet to collect toys and donations for Toys for Tots.

Savers Bank also helped bring joy to local kids in need. It partnered with the Grafton Food Bank to collect new toys for kids in the area.

Recently, Gaudette Insurance Agency and UniBank were two of the sponsors the 2nd Annual Blackstone Valley Festival of Trees that was held in Northbridge. The free event benefited the Blackstone Valley Emergency Shelter, which helps the homeless in the Blackstone Valley.

The Grafton Country Store, the Grafton Common gift shop, has been helping regional veterans. It’s selling tiny hand-knitted winter hats to benefit Veterans, Inc., a Worcester-based nonprofit that provides a vast array of services for veterans throughout New England.

 Millbury Street Elementary School recently held the school’s annual Pajama Drive. The successful drive, which is connected to the national nonprofit Pajama Program, collected 520 pairs of pajamas (which are paired with donated books from Scholastic) that will bring warmth and cheer to homeless and low income children throughout Worcester County.

By participating in this season of giving, we receive feelings of comfort and joy that can carry us into the New Year. Likewise, experiencing and appreciating the beauty of Christmas that Dale Evans spoke of could benefit us all. Happy holidays!

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