Santa donors remember their time of need

Each year, countless Santa’s Friends recall the thrill of discovering presents from Globe Santa under their tree when they were children, and some share those memories when they make a donation.

“I remember writing a letter every year to Santa and magically before Christmas a package with Globe Santa on it would be on our door step,’’ wrote Huong Ha. “It was fun and exciting to see what was in that package.’’

Huong said that when she sees Globe Santa’s annual notice in the Boston Globe, encouraging families to send in requests for his help, it reminds her of her youth. Despite struggling to get by during difficult times, her family celebrated a merry Christmas thanks to the generosity of others.

The memory always prompts her to return the favor by giving what she can to the fund drive. This year, she even offered her time.

“I love what you guys do, and I know that it is probably too late to volunteer myself, but if you can keep my name on your list for next year, I would be glad to help in any way,’’ she wrote. “Hope you guys at Globe Santa have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!’’

Another woman from the Boston area sent a donation to Globe Santa even though she was among the tens of thousands of Massachusetts residents looking for work. Recalling how much Globe Santa meant to her when she was young makes giving back a priority, she said.

“When I was growing up, my mother became essentially a single mother of five kids,’’ wrote the the 51-year-old woman, who asked that her name not be published. “I remember that through our church, we were chosen as a recipient family for two Christmases. Even though I am currently unemployed, I wanted to be sure to send a donation to Globe Santa. It wasn’t much this year, but hopefully, next year I will be fully employed and can be more generous.’’

She said she and her husband do not have children of their own, but they still love to celebrate Christmas and especially enjoy knowing that their gift to Globe Santa helps make the holiday merry for young boys and girls.

“Thank you for the joy you bring to children at this time of year,’’ she wrote.

Because of these two donors and thousands of others, the fund has raised more than $1 million each year for the last 25 years. Most donations to Globe Santa come from individuals, but there are also hundreds of businesses, community groups, schools, and children who organize fund-raising events or simply pool their resources to make a collective contribution.

Every dollar donated to Globe Santa is used to buy and deliver presents to children; the Boston Globe Foundation pays all the administrative costs associated with the campaign.

There is still time to help make this year’s tally as impressive as last year, when Globe Santa raised $1,413,668, so please consider giving. The campaign concludes on Jan. 6