On December 7, the A. Bartlett Giamatti Little League Leadership Training Center hosted the 27th Annual Breakfast with Santa in the Giamatti Dining Hall. More than 400 children and adults attended the breakfast with approximately $1700 raised and several thousands of dollars’ worth of toys donated. All the money raised are given to the Secret Santa Society who purchase winter coats, winter boots, hats, scarves, and mittens for children in the Bristol School system who would otherwise not have these warm articles for the winter. In addition, the toys are donated to families who don’t have the means to purchase for their young children.
The Secret Santa Society was begun 29 years ago with a handful of volunteers including the former Little League East Region Director, Don Soucy. The Society has raised tens of thousands of dollars and purchased thousands of winter coats and boots for every elementary child who otherwise would go without. In addition, the money raised helps with Christmas meals for families in need and Visa Gift Cards are purchased for local teens who live in a Bristol Housing project.
The Breakfast with Santa kicks off the fundraising for the Secret Santa Society and hope it continues for many years to come.
Along with these events, the East Region Assistant Umpire-in-Chief, Dr. Mike Lantiere, and Dugout work together to operate its annual Toys for Tots Drive, gathering a number of toys for children in need once again in 2019.
