The fund relies on local retailers to help provide for children in need through one-time vouchers, usually in the amount of $50.
"It's really amazing and it was wonderful to have that $25,000 gift from an anonymous person and that really put us over," said Kim Connolly, United Way-Thomas Jefferson Area spokeswoman. "The majority of donations come from people who give $10 to $100, and every dollar made a difference."
The Santa Fund provides vouchers to help pay for medicine, clothing and other necessities to area schoolchildren. Sponsored by The Daily Progress and WINA radio and administered by the local United Way, it provides assistance year-round.
The fundraising drive began Thanksgiving Day and ended Thursday. Donations are accepted all year, but those coming in after Thursday afternoon will be counted in next year's drive.
"The success of this year's Santa Fund speaks volumes about the incredible generosity of our community, which came together this year like never before to meet the needs of deserving schoolchildren throughout our region," said Lawrence L. McConnell, publisher of The Progress. "But this year's effort - as in years past - was really due to the dimes and dollars given by hundreds and hundreds of people."
The charity's goal was $120,000, the same as last year's mark. The fund raised $124, 215 in 2012.
"We kept it level because we didn't know what the impacts of the economy would be," said Lisa Frazier, the local United Way vice president and finance director. "There are a lot of mixed messages about the economy right now."
"There are a lot of working families who are a car-breakdown away from being financially stressed," Connolly said. "The economy is reportedly improving, but working families are most often the ones utilizing the food banks and other programs. The Santa Fund helps those families with support from retailers with vouchers."
The retailers come from the ranks of big-box stores, including Kmart, Marshalls, Roses and TJ Maxx. Smaller retailers such as Family Dollar, CVS and Super Dollar in Scottsville also help out, as do Shoe Show and Terry's Place in Orange.
LensCrafters, sears optical, Drs. Nelson and Clauss Optometrist and The Spectacle Shop, all of Charlottesville, provide eyewear for those in need.
School officials refer children to the program, which serves students in Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson and Orange counties, as well as the city of Charlottesville. Program administrators look into the needs and can provide a voucher for whatever is necessary.
"The Santa Fund couldn't exist without their help," Connolly said.
Today's contributors" Anonymous employees of Hantzmon Wiebel, $75
" In loving memory of Terry Brownfield, $50
Today's total: $125
Final total: $141,923.78
Goal: $120,000
Over goal by: $21,923.78
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