BY CRAIG FREILICH

North Country This Week

CANTON – Thieves might have dealt a blow to Canton’s Church and Community Giving Tree program by stealing holiday gifts meant for local children, but it has been more than met by the generosity of the community.

"It's very hard to have enough superlatives to describe the level of support we’ve seen,” said Giving Tree Program Director Fran Bailey. “It makes me very happy I live here, very happy. It feels so good to be a part of a community like this."

Since the burglary was reported, the response by members of the community has been almost overwhelming.

"We've been getting lots of donations from many people, very generous people. It's clear we will be able to replace the PJs, toys and clothing,” Bailey said.

The theft was reported to the Canton Police Department after it was discovered Nov. 7, and they ask that anyone who has information on someone with a large supply of pajamas in assorted sizes or multiple identical Lego sets should notify the Canton Police, a C&CP statement said.

But while there have been no reports of the thieves’ apprehension, reports abound of the generosity shown so children in need will have a warm and happy holiday.

"Many people have called to say they're doing things like PJ drives," Bailey said. She has heard from the St. Lawrence University Men's Hockey Team, and a fraternity and a sorority from the university. Local Girl Scouts are collecting money for PJs.

"They're always big participants in Giving Tree," Bailey said. "And Canton Central always provides volunteers, and this year, PJs."

The chamber of commerce is collecting, and separately many businesses are taking in donations or collecting PJs.

She said local hospitals and unions are holding drives.

"We'll be able to give the children a lovely holiday this year," in spite of what the thieves did.

She said she wanted us "to let people know what a great place this is."

The regular Giving Tree program of tags on trees at local businesses and elsewhere is proceeding as normal. Bailey says she hopes people will bring in the gifts they have purchased with tags by Dec. 6.

During the week of Dec. 8 the gifts will be set up at the fire house, and at the end of the week, Dec. 13 and 14, parents will be able to come to the fire house to pick the gifts for their children. Bailey says the parents who have applied will be given appointments on one of those weekend days.

Anyone wishing to make cash donations to Giving Tree may drop them off at the Church and Community Thrift Shop and Food Pantry at 7 Main St., at the corner of Main and Riverside Drive, between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays, or mail them to PO Box 55, Canton 13676.