The charity campaign, now in its seventh year in Brampton, aims to deliver roughly 5,000 gift boxes to less fortunate children in Peel Region. Last year, the community pitched in to donate a collective $47,000 for the initiative almost doubling contributions from 2006; this year, however, donations are reflecting numbers closer to 2006 than 2007 with a total of $20,310.

Despite this drop in local numbers, public relations executive for the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund Barb Mrozek said the overall campaign for Toronto, Brampton and other GTA communities surpassed its collective goal of $1.5 million. Final numbers, still being tallied at press time, were close to $1.6 million, Mrozek reported.

"From the campaign's launch at the end of October, we saw that donations trickled in a little more slowly than usual and we saw some donations were slightly less than last year's amounts but once again," she said, "our readers and supporters came through for us and helped us surpass our goal to raise $1.5 million."

Brampton Guardian publisher Ken Nugent said although he was hopeful to reach last year's numbers locally, he's not surprised to see the final tally hover around the half-way mark.

"Of course the bad economy has affected the donations," he said. "A fragile economy leads to uncertainty about jobs, and naturally people will be cautious about making charitable donations in that atmosphere."

However, Nugent said it's important to highlight the fact that many local businesses, organizations and residents were still able to come forward with contributions despite the bleak economic climate.

"I am so delighted and thankful to those people who took the time to donate despite the gloomy economic outlook," he said. "It truly makes a big difference to local families who are in need, and gives kids who may not otherwise have gifts an opportunity for a happy Christmas."

Heading into 2009, Nugent is hopeful the economy shows signs of getting back on track, and local Santa Fund donations next year will "reflect the generosity we know Bramptonians have."

He also notes that the Brampton Guardian Santa Claus Fund accepts donations all year- not just around the holidays.

"We can come together as a community, and help families in Brampton who can't afford presents for their children," said Nugent. "Every dollar counts."

There is no minimum donation required for the Brampton Guardian Santa Claus Fund.

How to donate: Please send cheque to The Brampton Guardian Santa Claus Fund, 7700 Hurontario St., Unit 201, Brampton, ON, L6Y 4M3. Visa and MasterCard donations can be made by calling 416-869-4847 or online by visiting www.thestar.com/santaclausfund.

The Star absorbs all administrative cost so all proceeds go directly into buying the gifts. The Star does not allow anyone to solicit on its behalf. Tax receipts will be issued.

If you have been touched by the Santa Claus Fund, or have a story to tell, please e-mail Ashley Goodfellow at agoodfellow@thebramptonguardian.com or phone 905-454-4344, ext. 268.