Half-Century Tradition Continues At St. Maria Goretti

On Wednesday, Dec. 6, a nearly half-century-old tradition of giving continued as a group of Lynnfield women hosted their annual toy drive.

More than 90 participants gathered at St. Maria Goretti’s parish hall to share the spirit of the season, bringing enough toys to fill a van. Donations were brought to North Shore Catholic Charities for distribution to local families of all denominations.

It all started 48 years ago, when Anne Caniff, Rita Anzuoni, Pat Mulica, Josephine Moran, and Kay Cotter began a Christmastime tradition of hosting a party to collect toys for needy children. Over the years, the toy party baton has been passed to an ever-changing group of women who recognized that Santa could use a little help this time of year.

This year’s party was hosted by Debbie Caniff, Jodene Sanford, Linda Altieri, Mary Lou O'Connor, Nadine Ritchie, Ellen Crawford, Judy Filipe, Renee D’Amico, Tricia Torosian, and Teri Chisholm.

Photo by Marie Lagman. Debbie Caniff, Jodene Sanford, Linda Altieri, Mary Lou O'Connor, Nadine Ritchie, Ellen Crawford, and Judy Filipe.