Township resident performs an act of Christmas kindness
| 27 Dec 2019 | 12:03
Santa Collins with Andy Lagana, Jamie Novoshelski, happy gift recipient Jakob Velasco and Loraine Collins (
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Keith “Santa” Collins encouraging visitors to celebrate a Christmas dinner and gifts at the Vernon VFW. (
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Santa Collins with the Velasco Family at Christmas Dinner with Mrs. Santa Collins (
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You would think that Santa would be tired and ready to take a long nap after delivering toys to all the children around the world. Not this Santa (aka Keith Collins).
On Christmas Day, after a hard night in the sleigh, Santa Collins directed his gift giving to anyone in the Sussex County area who may need or wish to enjoy a free Christmas meal and gifts.
Collins said in anticipation of this special day “what a shame it would be if one person in need on Christmas does not find their way to the event.”
Santa Collins partnered with the Vernon VFW Post 8441 to provide the venue for this very special event, and along with his partner Loraine Collins, friends Andy Lagana, Executive Chef at the Crystal Springs Golf Resort who prepared much of the delicious food enjoyed by visitors, Jamie Novoshelski, Nancy Martin and other friends to prepare dinners to serve 150 to 200 people and over a hundred presents for the kids.
“I would love to be running around looking for more food and presents,” Collins said.
Contributions from the Crystal Springs Resort, the Mountain Creek ski resort and other generous friends and sponsors put smiles on the faces of those attending.
One of the families that attended and enjoyed the work of Santa Collins and his elves was the Velasco Family. Dad served in the military and had recently returned from overseas. This was a wonderful way to enjoy Christmas with the family and friends at the Vernon VFW.
Santa Collins said in advance of the event, “Everything is in place to make sure that anybody in need on Christmas day can come see us and have an incredible meal and presents for their children.”
This is not the first Santa Collins event providing joy on Christmas day, nor will it be the last. Collins was moved by the smiles on the faces of children who receive the gifts at the event.
"That smile is the smile that I keep on my face every day while preparing for this function," Collins said.
It is his desire to get the word out so that next year’s event attracts even more visitors looking to celebrate Christmas with friends and family and to get a gift for the kids.