Aiding children since the far-off world of 1938.

AuthorOleson, Ellie
PositionNews

Byline: Ellie Oleson

It was 75 years ago that the Gazette Santa began delivering toys and gifts to children in area orphanages, starting a tradition that now brings hope and joy to nearly 10,000 children in Central Massachusetts each year.

The Gazette Santa was born at a time when the world had been mired in the Great Depression for nearly a decade, and 300 had just died in the New England Hurricane of 1938. The Dust Bowl in the nation's bread basket added to the pain, and insanity was taking over Europe in the name of Time magazine's 1938 "Man of the Year,'' Adolf Hitler.

Retired English teacher Barbara Louis Hopkins Willard, 82, of Rochester, N.Y., remembers when her father, Walter F. Hopkins, the original Gazette Santa, first began his rounds in an attempt to bring holiday cheer to orphaned or deserted children.

Mr. Hopkins had been hired as promotions manager by Harry C. Stoddard and George F. Booth, then-owners of the Worcester Telegram and The Evening Gazette.

"Harry and George F. and Daddy did a lot of brainstorming in the elevator,'' Mrs. Willard said.

When Mr. Hopkins suggested they start a "Gazette Santa'' gift program for needy children, both owners immediately agreed.

"Daddy wanted people to understand that the Telegram and Gazette cared about this community and wanted to give back. He wanted people to know that even in the Great Depression the spirit of caring we call 'Santa' is alive and well in Worcester,'' Mrs. Willard said.

Mr. Hopkins' friend, local minister Willard Smith, dressed up as Santa and joined Mr. Hopkins in personally delivering gifts to needy children in area orphanages, which were filled with children whose parents had either died or dropped off their children out of desperation.

Mrs. Willard said, "Daddy would take me when he had Santa parties at orphanages. He talked to me about children without parents or children whose parents didn't want them. Daddy said we would bring those children some happiness. He always said our mission in life should be to bring beauty of thought, word and deed.

"My father had been a tiny bit sneaky. He would go to the orphanages earlier and find out what the children wanted or needed. Sometimes it was a real need. I remember seeing children hug and kiss a warm sweater or shoes they wanted. I saw the true spirit of Christmas.''

A helping hand

Mr. Hopkins and his wife, Cleo Talbott Hopkins, also made sure Santa always handed out books.

"Daddy encouraged each orphanage to have a...

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