ELF MAGIC: ’Twas the night before Christmas,

And all through the town.

No senior or child,

  has a reason to frown.

ELF headquarters is empty,

  and the doors have been shut.

No more sorting or bagging,

  or wrapping to cut.

So much work was involved,

  but we got it done.

You have to admit,

  we did have some fun.

Just think of Christmas day,

  and all of the joys.

As the children we helped,

  play with their toys.

We’re done for this year,

   let’s turn out the light.

Merry Christmas to all,

   and to all a good night.

ELF WRAP-UP: As most people in Bradford realize, the ELF Fund
has been sponsored by The Bradford Era and run entirely by
volunteers for the past 26 years.

As we began the campaign this year, we must admit we were
worried about the number of children and older people who might
need help this year and the possible shortfall of funds because of
the horrible economic conditions in Bradford.

We were right about the numbers. We had many more this year,
particularly children. In all we served more than 500 youngsters
and more than 120 senior citizens. We’d guess that’s about 30
percent more than previous years.

Happily, we were wrong about the shortfall of funds. Bradford
people, organizations, institutions and companies were unbelievably
generous. And that ensured every child and senior citizen on our
rolls received a couple gifts.

We also had many local stores, companies and individuals also
give us lap blankets, knitted scarves, and many, many toys. These
gifts we add to the bundles each individual receives.

And, so, like it says above, the community rose to the
occasion.

By the way, we can’t take credit for the poem. It was penned by
ELF vice president Rusty Ransom.

Our thanks to all who made this Christmas possible for so
many.