We’re pleased to announce that a combination of online and offline efforts have pushed contributions to Santa’s Sleigh 2009 to greater than $4000. Can we make $5000 before Christmas?

It has been an uphill battle. A down economy and an increase in charitable fund raising activity have made it difficult. We have numerous small efforts that have added up to the success we have seen so far. For example, from an 8-year-old New Jersey girl came her Christmas spending money — all $7.33 of it — who felt it was better used in supporting Santa’s Sleigh. At My Merry Christmas.com, for the 2nd year in a row, a faithful community member sponsored a guessing game rallying other site members to the cause, resulting in a $200 donation — and countless other donations — that we have tracked to total more than $800.

In Utah, a Mom and six of her children braved winter weather selling candy to support the cause. In a little over four days they sold more than $700 in candy.

We have also attracted the help of some of our sponsors who have given generously.

As we stated when this began in September, we had no expectation of meeting the entire need for Drew. Other efforts are underway now and scheduled for later in 2010 to continue the work to raise the added funds. But we are humbled by the support we have and the combined total we will be able to add as coming from Santa’s Sleigh.

Our efforts continue. We thank you and wish you a Merry Christmas.