From the light fantastic to donations for Santa.

• Author: Oleson, Ellie
• Position: News

Byline: Ellie Oleson

Scott Morin was climbing high last week as he finished trimming Worcester's official holiday tree in time for the weekend Festival of Lights celebration and opening of the public ice skating rink on the Worcester Common Oval.

Even as he was stringing the lights on the tree, his thoughts were with his own children as well as the area children he helps through the Telegram & Gazette Santa Fund.

"I take up a collection every year from the guys in the Parks Department, then I round it off for a $100 donation. I know how important Christmas toys are to children, since I have two kids of my own,'' said Mr. Morin, a grounds maintenance worker for the city of Worcester, as he worked on the holiday tree.

Mr. Morin and his wife, Melanie, have two sons. Scott Morin, 19, a recent graduate of his dad's alma mater, Worcester Technical High School, is in the National Guard and is in basic training in Virginia.

"Scott's also studying criminal justice at Worcester State (University). We are so glad he'll be home for Christmas, but then he'll go back for more training with the Army,'' Mr. Morin said.

The couple's other son, Patrick Morin, 11, is a student at the Norrback Avenue Elementary School.

"Christmas was always special to my sons. Patrick's all excited about it. It's important to kids. They all deserve to have a toy under the tree. That's why we donate to the T&G Santa every year,'' Mr. Morin said.

In its 75th year, the T&G Santa Fund collects thousands of donations from generous readers and area residents to help buy toys for children in need in Central Massachusetts. Children 12 and younger who would otherwise not receive any holiday gifts are eligible to receive at least two toys each. No applications will be accepted directly by the T&G.

Area agencies working with the T&G Santa include: the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities Family and Children's Services of Southbridge, Gardner Community Action Committee, WHEAT Community Services and Winchendon Community Action Committee.

Anyone who wishes to contribute to the fund can do so by clipping and filling out the form in the newspaper and mailing it to Telegram & Gazette Santa Fund, c/o Commerce Bank, P.O. Box 15204, Worcester, MA 01615-0204 or by going online to www.telegram.com/santa to donate by credit card.

PREVIOUS BALANCE $21,431.36

CONTRIBUTIONS

Our Grandkids: Anna, Bryson, Kaylee & Adeline; The Frasers $500

Aaron, Max, Adam, Carly, Lily; OMA $150

Dudley Congregational Church...