Representative Arciero received unwrapped toys and warm holiday wishes as hundreds of Littleton and Westford residents braved the pouring rain Saturday during this year’s Toys for Tots and Sun Santa Drive and Drop charitable event.
The four-hour affair, conducted at the Abbott School in Westford and at the Littleton Police Station, was part of the 33rd annual Sun Santa Drive. Rep. Arciero, alongside organizer Kevin Coughlin, Littleton Police Chief Matthew Pinard and members of the Littleton and Westford Select Boards collected toys, ranging from balls to bikes to Barbie Dolls, and handed out holiday chocolates as the Thank You’s.
The event is held to raise money for the Sun Santa Fund, which provides Christmas toys and holiday meals for needy families in the Greater Lowell community. The event began in 1988 and has raised over $5 million dollars to date.
“I’m incredibly grateful for those who helped out, volunteered, donated and were kind enough to come out and help make this year’s Toys for Tots and Sun Santa Drive a great success,” said
Rep. Arciero, who wore a black-and-blue sweater with Disney’s Baby Yoda on it as part of a fun challenge among the organizers.
“This time of year can be difficult for many families, so it’s wonderful to come together as a community and help those in need,” Rep. Arciero added.
Others that participated in the event included Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan, State Senator Jamie Eldridge of Acton, State Senator Edward Kennedy of Lowell and former State Representative Geoff Hall. Hall, alongside his wife Pam, greeted drivers dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Local Marines from Fort Devens helped collect the gifts.
Westford Select Board member Anita Tonakarn-Nguyen and Westford School Committee Members Valery Young and Kathryn Clear, served as co-sponsors of the event and joined Westford Select Board members Andrea Peraner-Sweet, John Cunningham, Tom Clay, Westford School Committee members Alicia Curtin Mallon, Sean Kelly, Bedford Select Board member Bopha Malone and Lowell City Councilor Sokhary Chau.
At the Littleton event Chief Pinard was joined by Littleton Select Board members Cindy Napoli, Paul Glavey, Matthew Nordhaus, Joe Knox and the Littleton Electric and Water Department who also helped to organize and support the event.
“I’m thankful to everyone who came out to this year’s Toys for Tots and Sun Santa Drive to help and support this important cause,” Rep. Arciero said. “Despite the downpour, it’s always a great day and I thank all who gave so generously.”
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