When times are tough for local families there is a group of local businesswomen who've dug in for decades to help ensure Christmas is a great experience for every local child, no matter their finances.
According to Santa's Helpers organizer Betty Cloonan, the beauticians at Salisbury Square's Linda's Omega Hair Salon have worked for decades to raise money for Salisbury's annual Christmas charity.
"Oh my God, for 20 years Pat Stewart and Jane Eaton from Linda's Omega have worked to help us," Cloonan said recently. "For our upcoming Santa's Helpers auction, Jane has made the most beautiful holiday wreaths, you'll want every one. And Pat makes pails of candy and baked goods. I've known Linda (Boragine) for 30 years. I call them all 'Steel Magnolias.'"
Cloonan refers to the Southern women portrayed in the movie "Steel Magnolia," who had their fingers on the pulse of their town, helping whenever needed.
"If you go over there you'll see," Cloonan said. "They're always working hard to help someone."
Boragine laughed when told of Cloonan's statement, but agreed that the work her colleagues do each year warms the heart.
"They work so hard for Santa's Helpers," Boragine said. "The beautiful wreaths and trees, the candy and pastry. It's all terrific."
For 32 years Santa's Helpers has ensured every child in town finds packages under the tree Christmas morning, no matter their financial circumstances. More than 400 kids a year benefit from the program, but the effort takes lots of money, time and work.
Along with soliciting clothing and toy donations from businesses, money is needed to buy and wrap all the new items for the kids. One of the organization's largest fundraising events — the Santa's Helpers Auction — takes place the Sunday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 23.
At the Capri Restaurant on Driftway at Salisbury Beach, the auction starts at 1 p.m. Admission is free, and bidders can take home things to keep or give as Christmas gifts to others, like Stewart's and Eaton's handiwork or a handmade lighthouse quilt.
But Santa's Helpers isn't the only way these women rise to the occasion when needed, Cloonan said.
"Linda helps out with a lot of things in town," Cloonan said. "They're into everything there."
"We try to help out whenever we can," Boragine said. "For 17 years we've worked for the 'Look good, feel better' program of the American Cancer Society. We go to hospitals and help women dealing with cancer and the effects of chemotherapy look better. And we help with Pettengill House, and of course I'm a member of the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce."
As for running a beauty salon similar to the one featured in the movie "Steel Magnolias," Boragine said, "Yes, I suppose we are like that a little. You should come by. There's always a pot of coffee and pastries here. We all have a good time."
To lend a helping hand along with the women of Linda's Omega Salon, call Cloonan at 978-465-8412.
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Angeljean Chiaramida covers Salisbury for The Daily News and can be reached at 978-462-6666 ext. 3271, or at achiaramida@newburyportnews.com.
