By CHRIS FROST
Eagle Times News Editor
CLAREMONT, NH — The 2023 Kiwanis Cares Holiday Gift Program kicked off grandly Friday, Dec. 15, with toys, food, holiday, cheer, plus a special visit from the big man himself, Santa Claus.
The kickoff brought 599 children to Claremont Savings Bank, and the organization collaborated with SAU 6 schools and Westside Children’s Behavioral Health, Turning Point Network, TLC Recovery Center and Southwest Community Services, gathering names and giving two clothing items and two toys.
Co-chair Courtney Porter is thrilled to kick off the 2023 Kiwanis Cares benefit.
“Kiwanis does a big part of the shopping, but we’re also blessed to have Crown Point Cabinetry, Valley Regional Hospital, Riverbank Church and Saint Mary’s Church, and Claremont Savings Bank employees who sponsor a number of children and shop,” said Porter. “Then we’ll collect those items after Thanksgiving and work on the third floor [of CSB] and organize everything.”
She said the kids grab a few stocking stuffers and hang out with Santa, and bags get assigned and distributed in the lobby.
“When the families are down here doing their thing, the bags come down, and they have the items we purchased for them, and we give them some wrapping paper,” she said. “We like giving the items unwrapped to the families so they can wrap them and say, ‘Oh, I know what that was.’”
She said there are no qualifying criteria.
“If families reach out from other communities, we try and connect them with that community,” Porter said. “We don’t ask families to provide any financial information.”
Porter will mark her 10th anniversary of being a Kiwanian in February, and she’s part of the organization because of Kiwanis Cares.
“Back in 2013, my school social work office was at Claremont Middle School, and Unity Elementary School was building their new school, so they were down, and we had students at the middle school,” she said. “I was hooked when I saw the money was raised locally, and it stays local.”
Co-Chair Ann Dewey was guarding the gifts on the third floor and worked with Porter and committee members to gather gifts from the Marine Corps Toys for Tots and community members.
“We purchase whatever we don’t collect,” said Dewey. “We organize it, bag it, and today, as the parents come, we’ll send the gifts down from this floor to the entry, and when the parents leave, they can take them with the wrapping paper home,” she said.
She said most items were purchased from Walmart, which offered the Kiwanians a discount.
“Violet’s Book Exchange provides all our books to us,” she said. “For toys this year, the biggest one was Legos, which are hard to get because they are expensive. We get lots of dolls, Barbies, cars, trucks and sports items.”
Dewey said they’ll get plenty of requested coats and boots.
Husband Michael Dewey said while families enjoy the activities downstairs, the third floor is busy preparing items to go home.
“We put things in black bags so the kids don’t see the presents,” said Mike Dewey. “For the most part, everybody is appreciative. We’re doing our bell ringing at Walmart and Market Basket, and it’s amazing how many people come up and say you’ve helped me out with presents years ago, and they’ll drop money.”
Julie Shepard brought her kids, Evelyn and Campbell, and admitted she was excited about the kickoff.
“Anything helps,” said Shephard. Campbell is hoping for a new monster truck.
“My sister wants a big puppy,” he said.
Emily Cook said her child loves coming to the kickoff.
“It’s so much fun,” said Cook. “My daughter wants a dollhouse and kitty this Christmas.”
Jessica Lydem said her son Etham Martin likes all different cookies.
“I want Etham to enjoy himself tonight, see all the pretty lights and have a nice time,” said Dad Eli Martin. “I think we’re succeeding.”
Kiwanis President Judy DiPadova has been a Kiwanian for 10 years and loves leading the organization.
Tony DiPadova said the kickoff is a special occasion.
“This is one of our biggest programs, and we service 500-800 kids during the year,” he said. “The kids are happy and get to see Santa Claus.”
Santa said Claremont’s children have done well throughout 2023.
“I like the Kiwanis Club of Claremont Kiwanis because they help kids in the community,” said Santa.
For more information, visit claremontkiwanis.com or the group’s Facebook page.
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