PITTSFIELD -- On a frigid morning while thick snowflakes tumbled down upon Pittsfield, jolly old St. Nicholas greeted residents cramming in pre-Christmas errands at the Pittsfield post office.
Standing near the corner of Fenn and Willis streets, Santa Claus was collecting donations from sometimes hurried patrons who jetted inside to send last-minute letters and gifts to loved ones far away.
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"Merry Christmas!" Santa exclaimed to 2-year-old Colin Vrabel, who wore a pointed elf hat in his mother's arms.
Jennifer Vrabel had brought her son along to pick up stamps and ready their Christmas cards. Colin stuffed a dollar into Santa's red kettle. In exchange, Colin walked off with a smile and a green and red candy cane.
It was part of the Salvation Army's ubiquitous Red Kettle fundraiser, which it's held since 1891. Originally organized by Salvation Army Capt. Joseph McFee to raise money to provide a free Christmas dinner for residents in San Francisco, it has since expanded its scope and spread across the country and internationally, making its way to places like South Korea, Japan and Chile.
According to volunteer Jeff Turner, the Salvation Army will use the money to feed people and operate relief operations for first responders, who provide critical relief for emergencies like the Butternut Fire. He said the money stays in the community, going to work to help neighbors.
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"All the proceeds from here stay right here," Turner said, ringing a (red plated) silver bell. "They're always doing something; feeding people and helping out."
According to its annual report, last year the Salvation Army raised $104 million through its red kettle campaign, a $2 million increase from 2022. The funds were used to assist over 2.4 million people through the holidays through myriad social programs. Nearly $580,000 in donations were raised during its six-week 2023 Red Kettle campaign at Price Chopper/Market 32 stores alone, the nonprofit announced in February.
Its Massachusetts division of the Salvation Army has currently raised over $16,000 of its $100,000 goal, according to the organization's website.
Santa told The Eagle that he's already spread cheer to area children Saturday morning. One family stopped by and had him record a video greeting for some of their young relatives in absentia.
For many children, seeing Santa is a highlight of the magical season. But you ask Santa himself, the best part of Christmas is the caroling.
"The music!" he said.