Santa dropped by New Beginnings Childcare Center yesterday. Some of the littler ones were a bit timid meeting the guy in the red suit. The older children were thrilled.

We would like to thank the Marines and their Toys for Tots campaign for the wonderful gifts for the children.

We also thank the Holyoke Barnes and Noble and especially Gail Harris, Community Relations Manager, for her help in hosting our very first Book Fair. And of course, thanks to everyone who shopped at B&N that day and supported the Book Fair. We raised enough money to purchase a book for each child at New Beginnings. We were just thrilled to present a new book to the children to start their very own libraries and to help them enjoy reading. That is Biscuit's Christmas Eve that the children are holding.

All of us at Springfield Partners wish you the best holiday season and a safe, happy and prosperous 2011.