Operation Santa Claus Coming to New Lenox Township

On Saturday, Dec. 18, New Lenox Township once again will join with Santa and his elves to deliver Christmas cheer to local homebound seniors. "Operation Santa Claus" is an annual event sponsored by the township to ensure that New Lenox Township seniors who are homebound are remembered during the holiday season.

"Operation Santa Claus was established for the seniors of the township," said Township Supervisor Bill McCollum. "We visit seniors who are homebound to deliver a small gift to each."

This year, a small group of young ladies from Lincoln-Way West and Lincoln-Way Central choirs will climb aboard the township's Santa Bus to sing holiday songs for the seniors' enjoyment.

Township officials also are looking for gift donations to deliver to the seniors. Drop off items before Dec. 15 at New Lenox Township, 1100 S. Cedar Road, New Lenox.

Items needed: Writing tablets, pens/pencils, postage stamps, hairbrushes, men's and ladies socks, after shave, disposable razors, hair cream, cologne for men and women, body lotion, stick deodorant, playing cards, afghans, shawls, fresh fruit candy bars, small boxes of raisins and cookies.

Also needed are individual packages of chips and snacks, granola/cereal bars, individually wrapped candy, individual juice boxes, individual packages of crackers with cheese or crackers with peanut butter and individual sealed fruit cups.

For diabetics: Sugar free candy or suger free gum, sugar free cookies and vanilla wafers.