Letter to the Editor: Firemen’s Group Thanks Supporters for Food, Toy Donations

Saturday’s event at Jewel collected food and toys, raised funds to benefit local organizations.

The Lemont Firemen’s Association would like to extend their gratitude to the Jewel Food Store, Lemont location, and their patrons, for supporting the food and toy drive this past Saturday, Dec.15. Food donations and $405 in cash were delivered to the Bethany Lutheran Church Food Pantry. The toys were given to Earl Anderson (a.k.a. Santa) to be delivered to the local hospital's children’s wards on behalf of the Jeff Anderson Foundation. Sincerely, Mike Kasperski, president Lemont Firemen's Association; Est. 1886

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Lemont's Happy Hands Methodist Preschool Combines Christmas Cheer With Spirit of Giving

Happy Hands Students had the opportunity to visit with Santa - but this time, they were bringing him a gift, too.

Lemont resident Earl Anderson has been delighting children for more than 40 years in his role as Santa Claus. But for more than a decade, Anderson has donned his red suit and beard to help make the holidays a little brighter for children in need. In 1999, Anderson and his family began The Jeff Anderson Children’s Foundation following the tragic loss of their beloved son. In memory of Jeff, the foundation raises money, collects donations and purchases toys for severely ill children and needy families in the area. Since 2004, Happy Hands Methodist Preschool has participated in the Anderson’s Christmas mission project. On Dec. 5 and 6, more than 75 Happy Hands students had the opportunity to be a part of the project by bringing an unwrapped …

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Week in Review: D113A Superintendent Resigns, Local Santa Named HuffPost's 'Greatest Person'

A look back at the headlines from Dec. 19-25.

Lemont 'Ducks, Dives and Dodges' for Charity Lemont Township's second annual dodgeball tournament raised more than $700 and garnered plenty of donations for the Lemont Food Pantries on Thursday. PHOTOS: Lemont Park District's 'Foggy' Frigid 5K Nearly 200 runners braved chilly temperatures Sunday morning for the park district's third annual holiday run. PHOTOS: Families Pack Lemont Park District for Annual Breakfast with Santa The event, held Sunday in Centennial Community Center, featured a variety of children's activities, as well as a hearty meal of pancakes, waffles and eggs. State: District 113A Must Pay Back More Than $328K in 'Unallowable' Transportation Reimbursements District 113A Superintendent Tim Ricker cited a "breakdown in …

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Lemont Man Chosen as Huffington Post's 'Greatest Person of the Day'

Earl Anderson, 61, has been dressing as Santa Claus and delivering toys to needy children since he was 20. Today, he carries on the tradition in honor of his late son, Jeff.

Greatest Person of the Day

Despite Personal Tragedy, Local Santa Brings Joy to Sick Children

Lemont resident Earl Anderson will distribute as many as 16,000 toys this year in memory of his late son.

UPDATE: Earl Anderson has been chosen as the Huffington Posts's Greatest Person of the Day, which features stories of people across the nation who are confronting major issues and making a difference in their community. Congratulations, Earl! - - - - - - - - - - - - When Earl Anderson’s 28-year-old son, Jeff, was killed in a car accident 12 years ago, Anderson considered hanging up his sleigh. The Lemont resident had been dressing as Santa Claus and visiting needy children since the age of 20, sometimes bringing along his own children—including Jeff—dressed as elves. After the tragic loss, Anderson wasn’t sure he could go on playing Santa. “I thought about quitting, but my wife and others convinced me that Jeff would want Santa to go on,” …

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