Mission needs aid for annual party

NASHUA- A letter from the North Pole to the residents of Greater Nashua is urging support for the Tolles Street Mission’s annual Christmas party.

“Dear community,” the letter begins in a shaky old hand. “As you know, I’ll be loading my sleigh and preparing to depart on the eve of Dec. 24. But the Tolles Street Mission’s holiday celebration for 350 poor children in the community is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 18.

“Since I’ll be putting the finishing touches on Christmas toys for boys and girls all over the world, I’m appealing for your help for the mission: donations of nonviolent toys for children from infancy through age 13; pizza or cash to buy pizza; paper cups and napkins, plastic tablecloths, and anything else you can think of that might brighten the holiday for a child whose parents are unable to provide for them this Christmas.”

The party will be held at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua, 47 Grand Ave. But donors may leave gifts, party items and money at the Tolles Street Mission, 52 Whitney St.

The mission is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10-11:55 a.m. and 1:30-3 p.m. For more information, call the mission at 880-4984.