To the editor:

It takes a village. Another successful Holiday Helper Program has come to an end!

The Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department kicked things off with their annual toy drive right after Thanksgiving — it was so great to see everyone as they stopped by with some amazing toys. Next was the Trivia for a Cause night at the Hotel Saranac — so much fun and a great turnout! We want to especially acknowledge the family of Don Fina for thinking of others during their own loss — we know he would be so proud!

Our local businesses and organizations certainly brought their A-game this year. We are so very grateful to the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Adirondack Bank, Kiwanis Club of Saranac Lake, Long Run Wealth, the SL Volunteer Rescue Squad, Coakley’s Hardware, New York State Police, Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department, Bob Miller Real Estate, Adirondack Correctional Facility, Saranac Lake Teacher’s Association, Saranac Lake Dollar General, Ecumenical Council of Saranac Lake, Wayne Darrah Autobody, New York state Department of Environmental Conservation, St. Bernard’s Catholic Daughters, FCI Ray Brook, Bionique Labs, Adirondack Health, Saranac Lake Vet’s Club, Bombas Socks, Adirondack Health, Trudeau Institute, Paul Smiths-Gabriels Volunteer Fire Department, Champlain National Bank, Adirondack Daily Enterprise, the Waterhole, Historic Saranac Lake, Tucker Farms, Northern Lights Taxi and Delivery, Adirondack Park Agency, American Management Association, Women’s College Scholarship Fund, and the Saranac Lake Village Police Department.

We also are extremely grateful to the Saranac Lake Baptist Church for allowing us to take over their gymnasium every year — we so appreciate you all! The Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club graciously lent us all the tables again this year — many thanks! We appreciate the Best Western and the Hotel Saranac for being drop off locations. We cannot continue this program without any of you, as well as all the individuals who donate money, toys, clothing and food year after year. Your generosity allowed us to provide food baskets to 90 families, and many toys, clothing, books, blankets and games to close to 200 local children. Lakeview Catering — thank you so much to the VanAndens for their continued support! And our die-hard volunteers — wow! From sorting toys, bundling gifts, installing batteries, to helping parents choose the perfect toys, handing out food baskets, loading cars, providing rides — you all warm our hearts! We hope 2024 will bring good health, peace and happiness to all.

Dawn Rogers and Patti Ploof

Holiday Helpers Co-Chairs

Saranac Lake