Changemaker Chronicles: TNS Christmas Fund

Interview with Christine Raffaelly, Board Member

What began in her parents' basement nearly 40 years ago has evolved into a vibrant organization, bringing Christmas joy to approximately 185 children every year in the Tilton Northfield Sanbornton community. Christine Raffaelly recalls how her parents, Beverly and Roland Cullen, and a few other community members, along with the Town Welfare Office had a simple yet impactful idea: to provide Christmas gifts to families in need. This initiative led to the creation of the Tilton Northfield Sanbornton Christmas Fund. Christine believes "children should have their basic needs covered."

Local businesses supported the initial effort by placing donation cans on their counters. As the organization gained momentum, community partners stepped up to ease the group's workload. Tilton House of Pizza and Diana’s Coffee Brew set up Christmas trees with cards listing families' needs and wishes. Customers fulfill the requests and return the items to the store, where the Christmas Fund picks them up and delivers items to the designated families. There are also drop-off sites for clothing, gifts, and cash donations in each of the three towns. The Fund is grateful to Fred & Amy, the morning team at MIX 94.1 (WFTN), who also contribute to the cause through their Cash for Cans Money & Food Drive and many others too numerous to list that support them throughout the year. Three community service organizations, The American Legion Post 49, Mason’s/Doric-Center Masonic Lodge, and the Tilton Northfield Rotary Club each sponsor 20 families, delivering both food baskets and gifts on the Saturday before Christmas.

The Lakes Region Children’s Auction became involved after a relative of one of the Fund leaders suggested applying for Greater Lakes Region Children's funding. The fit was obvious to the Auction Distribution Committee, and auction funding has helped the TNS Christmas Fund reach even more children every year.

Alongside gifts, the organizers recognized the need for winter clothing so that no child would be without essential items like boots, ski pants, coats, hats, and mittens. Each November, the group begins distributing outerwear to ensure children are prepared for the season's first cold day.

Over time, their mission expanded to include providing Christmas dinner baskets as well. At the start, most of the food in these baskets came from a USDA program, with the remaining items purchased through donations. Today, the group partners with Market Basket to order the bulk of the food each year for the baskets.

Christine believes she’s found a solution to a recurring challenge: securing a large enough location to assemble and sort the gifts and baskets. When she saw an advertisement for a space in downtown Tilton, she reached out to the owner, Barbara Barbuto. She generously agreed to rent the space at a discounted rate, providing the group with a new home base. Christine hopes this will be the TNS Christmas Fund’s headquarters for many years to come.

For Christine, the highlight of the season comes on the Saturday before Christmas when 10 or 12 pick-up trucks are packed with gifts and food baskets. Volunteers, including many of her siblings, their spouses and their children, help load and deliver the baskets. Even the youngest grandchildren get involved by filling boxes. "They love helping," she says.

Families in Tilton, Northfield, and Sanbornton can apply for assistance through the program. Applications are available at town halls and other locations. Parents list both their children's Christmas wishes and their needs for winter outerwear, helping ensure that each child receives what they need.

The Lakes Region Children’s Auction applauds the TNS Christmas Fund for bringing joy to families at the holidays.

Article written by Beth Osgood Dodge. If you are a Greater Lakes Region Children's Auction funded nonprofit contact Beth at beth03253@gmail.com to arrange an interview and let us spread awareness for your mission!