State Employees Raise Money To Sponsor Christmas For Kids

CONCORD, NH — Each year, thousands of children in need across New Hampshire are given a Christmas to remember via Operation Santa Claus, the holiday charity initiative supported by SEIU SEA 1984, New Hampshire's largest union, representing state employees. But it takes months of preparation – and fundraising – to make this effort come together by December. Many state departments, agencies, and divisions – including the New Hampshire Department of Education – sponsor fundraisers, host raffles, and raise money to sponsor children.

Last month, a few employees at the NH DOE decided to forego the department's annual summer BBQ get together (which can often be a production itself including requesting a tent, people to cook, etc.) and, instead, coordinate a few food trucks to help raise money for the program.

One food truck had to back out at the last minute. But Lunch Lady Food Truck and Miss Polly's Traveling Treats both agreed to donate a portion of sales to the effort. The group of employees – known as DOEPES, Department Of Education Party Event Specialists – coordinated flyers for the event and invited other employees from the Hugh Gallen complex to stop by on June 26.

Lunch Lady – Concord's first full-service food truck – offered a "scaled down menu" including a skirted burger, a pulled pork sandwich, Cajun fries (which were really good), and a vegan chickpea salad wrap. Polly had all kinds of ice cream and other cool treats that attendees enjoy during the hot summer lunch hour.

DOEPES members told Patch that the event was a success – at one point, there was a long line stretching across the parking lot – and enough money was raised to fund holiday presents for several children in December (last year, NH DOE employees sponsored more than 70 children). Employees from state agencies on the complex who also support Operation Santa Claus are also considering putting together their own lunch truck fundraisers in the future in order to raise money for needy kids – while getting to eat and hang out with their co-workers.

More information about Operation Santa Claus can be found here. Lunch Lady Food Truck – which can sometimes be found at the Everett Arena – also has its own website. Miss Polly's Traveling Treats can be found all around the city but also online here.

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