FARMINGTON – A self-proclaimed Santa’s helper may make the naughty list this year.

A person claiming to work on behalf of Operation Santa Claus by selling homemade ornaments and trying to collect donations was reported to Farmington police Monday, said Johnnie Buchanan of Operation Santa Claus.

Traveling door-to-door in the High Street area, the person happened to knock on the door of an Operation Santa Claus volunteer and tried to collect donations of cash and gifts, she said. The volunteer reported the incident to Buchanan.

While the organization does need and appreciate cash donations, she said, there are only two staff members – Buchanan and Cindy Brophy, both from Western Maine Community Action – who are authorized to accept or solicit donations of any kind on behalf of Operation Santa Claus, she said in a news release.

Operation Santa Claus, now in its 36th year, is a gift program that provides toys, clothing and other items to children and seniors in need in the greater Franklin County area.

Buchanan wanted the community to be told about the bogus Operation Santa incident so as to not discourage donors from helping.

“We don’t send people door-to-door or sell anything. We accept charitable donations allowed by the IRS, which means that we provide no goods or services in return for the donation,” she said.

Police Detective Mark Bowering said it’s best for people to ask for identification from solicitors.

Bowering, who is investigating the incident, said the amount of money collected was not available.

There are some groups, like Scouts, that help raise funds to donate to Operation Santa Claus, Buchanan said, but that can easily be checked by contacting her at 645-3764, extension 5258. The organization offers receipts and keeps a running list of donors, she said.

The organization began as a collective effort between WKTJ radio, Western Maine Community Action, the Franklin Journal and Livermore Falls Advertiser. Donations may be sent directly to the Franklin Journal, she said, which in turn lists donors.

Cash donations are important to the program, Buchanan said, as she has developed buying power with discount suppliers and can stretch the dollar further.

“Requests this year are largely for items that most of us do not consider luxuries,” she said. “Warm clothing, blankets and cleaning products not supplied by area food banks or food stamps are being requested.”

Buchanan said requests for household items seem to have risen in response to the increased costs of gasoline and heating oil.

Applications for gifts through Operation Santa Claus will be accepted until Dec. 1 and are available at the Service Center at 859 Route 2 East in Wilton. Applications may also be sent by mail, she said.

Operation Santa Claus will be setting up its “North Pole” site in the Mt. Blue Shopping Center and all are welcome to stop by and volunteer or visit, she said. Anyone who wishes to donate items, cash or checks can do so at the North Pole, the Franklin Journal or by mailing to WMCA-OSC at the Wilton address.

For more information, contact Buchanan at 645-3764, ext. 5258, or 1-800-645-9636, ext. 5258.