The `goddesses' gather for Santa.

• Position: NEWS

Byline: Ellie Oleson

COLUMN: TELEGRAM & GAZETTE SANTA

As happens each December, a group of 40 "goddesses" gathered at a home in Worcester to celebrate Christmas and take up a collection for the Telegram & Gazette Santa Fund.

Margaret A. "Peggy" Manoogian opens her Chamberlain Parkway home for the annual gathering of girls, including a core group who worked in the Commerce Building in Worcester half a century ago.

Geraldine L. Hoose, 76, of 215 Wheelock Ave. in Millbury sold hearing aids in the building, while other women worked in a department store there.

"We became friends and have stayed friends ever since," Mrs. Hoose said.

As the friends arrive at Mrs. Manoogian's home, each woman is given a tiara, marking them as a goddess.

This year, there was also a small stack of papers, each marked with an individual "joy of being a goddess."

"I wrote down `friendship' and `loyalty' and so on, and asked the goddesses to write down other joys we share. I have had some of these friends for many years, and others are more recent. We are all very fortunate to have each other and this network of support," Mrs. Manoogian said.

Her party featured a sumptuous feast, individual goddess gift bags and a professional magician.

Mrs. Hoose said, "It was amazing. All of Peggy's Christmas parties are amazing. She's so much fun!"

Past parties have featured a tarot card specialist, who did readings; an Italian singer; and a hypnotist.

Mrs. Hoose began taking a collection for the T&G Santa at the goddess party last year, and continued the tradition this year with a $210 donation from the goddesses.

"I asked the girls to dig a little deeper this year, and they were very gracious," she said.

Mrs. Manoogian said she was happy that her party could help children in need through a donation to the T&G Santa.

"It's wonderful. We hope our contribution makes some children happy. That's what it's all about."

In its 73rd 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...