Community Christmas Tree in Sandwich

Community Christmas Tree Party
The Sandwich Woman's Club Community Christmas Party will be Sunday, December 16 at 3:30 pm in the Sandwich Town Hall for all Sandwich (includes all children at the Sandwich Children's Center and Sandwich Central School and siblings) children birth through grade 3 (and older if they still believe in magic).  If you are new to Sandwich, have a new baby or child in your home, or if you have a new little neighbor please let Head Elf, Diane Johnson (284-7168 call/text) know the name(s) and year of birth  so that all children will have a gift. Visiting children and grandchildren of Sandwich folk can be accommodated as well. This is not a need-based or religious party; it is a celebration of all the children in our midst to enjoy the season, be entertained a little, and to receive a small present.

Entertainment this year will be a "You are Special" multi-cultural trip around the world with 100 + interactive puppets and singing.

Marla and Bob Evans

The Community Christmas Tree Party has been a Sandwich tradition since at least the Great Depression in the 1930’s. Even the oldest folks in town can't remember a year when this party didn't happen. In the 30's and 40's, the local girl scouts under the direction of Helen Ingles and others decided to make gifts, put on a skit, sing carols, and have a party for all the children in town. Over the years many individuals and groups have kept this tradition alive.  

Timmy Nolan and Charlotte Paddleford (1980's), and Lee Webb (late 80's to mid 2000's) were among the Head Elves.  In 2017, the Sandwich Fair added their sponsorship. As you read this, elves are active in our community. Thanks to their efforts, all children from birth through grade three will receive mesh bags of fruits, cookies, candy canes, and gifts of hand-sewn items, hand-knit hats, and/or a small toy or book from Santa. Older kids (grades 4-6) at the school will find gift baskets in their classrooms on Monday. Older kids wishing to attend the party may volunteer to sing, dance, serve as elves, or be reindeer.

Families who do not celebrate Christmas may request that the gifts not be wrapped or wrapped in something other than Christmas paper. They can even make arrangements to pick up the gift after the party if they wish. It is the intent of the committee to include all children who are in town in this event of  hospitality and good will. Gift bags can be delivered to those unable to attend the party. Gifts not given out at the party can be picked up under the Christmas Tree in the children's area of the Samuel H. Wentworth Library. Santa will be at the library from 3-4 on Monday, December 17, to visit with children who may have missed the party and/or for those who need to add something to their list.

The Sandwich Woman's Club
The Sandwich Woman’s Club is a civic and social organization that serves the women and children Sandwich. Members meet four times a year for lunch, an interesting speaker or program, and a short business meeting. The ladies raise funds for book and supply money for college students from Sandwich and sponsor the annual holiday party for all children in Sandwich. Woman of all ages in Sandwich and environs are welcome to join. The club is run by a membership of nearly 80 women and an executive board. Regular meetings, programs, and a meal are held on  a Wednesdays in March, May, September and December at local restaurants. Funds are raised by a summer raffle held during Old Home Week, a snack bar during the Old Home Week Art Show, and by dues and donations. Annual dues are $10. Donations are always welcome (Sandwich Woman’s Club, PO Box 48, Center Sandwich, NH 03227).