The elves were busy preparing to serve nearly 220 meals to Holliston Seniors with this year’s Drive-in Holiday Party.  The Holliston Reporter sent this writer undercover to see how the magic happened.

In a sense, this format allowed MORE seniors to take part in this highly-anticipated annual event because there is an indoor seating capacity of 180.  A full meal catered by Oliva’s and Gaetano’s desserts sponsored by the Holliston Police Association and Newcomers were packed for drive through pickup.

Of course, the Holiday Party would not be a real party if Mrs. Claus (Director, Linda Marshall) did not have on blinking lights – this year in her mask!  

At the appointed hour; Santa, Mrs. Claus and head Elf (Asst. Dir. Bryan Perkins) went out to the Senior Center parking lot to greet the guests and organize the meal distribution.

Holliston’s Finest served as elves distributing meals as the guests arrived. 

LT George Leurini took a cruiser full of meals to the residents at Cole Court.  Sr. Ctr. Outreach Coordinator Marty Schneier along with Sr. Ctr. drivers Deb Dupuis and Ron Turcotte each took a carload of meals for delivery.  What a well-organized event right down to ‘The List’ which was checked twice by just about everybody!

As this was Linda Marshall’s last year hosting the Holiday Party, Asst. Dir. Perkins was taking copious notes so that no detail gets lost in the upcoming transition to a new Director following Linda’s retirement in March.

When the last guest was served, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves took a short rest which became a photo op.

Before Santa left for the North Pole he found a couple of canollis to help maintain his portly dimensions!

The Holiday season is not over for Mrs. Claus.  She took my favorite elf to the Sr. Ctr. Classroom where gifts have been amassed for distribution to 250 seniors early next week.

Local Girl Scouts, individuals, and one generous family have contributed to the wrapped gifts AND over $1,000 in gift cards!  What a generous Town we live in!!