Area students of George G. Blaisdell Elementary School received a treat on Friday afternoon from a representative of Santa Claus, played by Tracy Burgess, and her trusted companion Percy, the miniature horse, was dressed as an elf.

Santa and his elf greeted children who received mittens from the Mitten Tree that had previously been housed in the Bradford Ecumenical Home until all mitten donations could be submitted.

The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce had previously partnered with the Bradford Ecumenical Home and Chapel Ridge to gather mitten donations for area children. Mittens were hand-made by residents or dropped off at the Bradford Ecumenical Home or at Chapel Ridge prior to Dec. 10 and displayed on the Mitten Christmas Tree. The Mitten Tree is a great tradition that staff look forward to each year, according to Becky Greenberg, director of activities at the Ecumenical Home.

Greenberg reported, after the Dec. 10 deadline, that 287 pairs of mittens had been collected, and were being readied for distribution.

The idea for the Mitten Tree is based upon the book called the Mitten Tree. “It is a touching story and we love to carry on the sentiment of the story to make sure all the kids have warm hands through the cold winter,” said Greenberg.

For more information about the Mitten Tree Donation call Greenberg at 814-368-5648 or email beckygreenberg@behcr.com.