Santa had to make several trips in his sleigh to Verso Paper Corp.’s Androscoggin Mill in Jay, where employees donated about 1000 gifts to Western Maine Community Action’s Operation Santa Claus. The presents were to benefit about 300 children and elderly in need from the community. “Taking part in Operation Santa Claus is something many of us here at the mill look forward to every year,” said Communications Manager Cherilee Budrick. “Employees who want to take part just remove a tag from our tree which includes a gift wish from an anonymous child or senior citizen in our community. Sometimes it nearly brings tears to your eyes. These kids and older folks aren’t asking for much. Sometimes it’s warm winter gloves, baby bottles or a book. Sometimes it’s a blanket and dish towels. Our employees are so generous and giving — it’s touching to see how quickly the tags disappear from our tree.” Without these donations, some of the recipients may not receive any gifts at all for the holidays. WMCA volunteers wrapped the gifts and distributed them before Christmas to families throughout the area.