Santa, elves at St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank in Derby help make Christmas bright

Bob Lally, President Emeritus of the Board of Directors, joins in the festivities with thrift shop manager Cindy Barbian./ Contributed photo

Volunteer reindeer Will Lasse takes a break with Santa Claus a.k.a. pantry manager Jim Fedak./ Contributed photo

St. Vincent de Paul thrift shop manager Cindy Barbian shared information about this week's annual Christmas food distribution. 

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop and Food Bank are located at 237 Roosevelt Drive, Derby. 

"We had out give out today for 60 families, but we have been giving out Christmas food since December 1st. The need is real, more and more people seeking help.

"Today [Wednesday] we helped 60 families with 6 bags of food, a ham, milk, a bag of potatoes, sweet potatoes, and apples. The children also got gifts!

"Santa Claus was there handing out candy canes, the elves were busy with the gifts, and Mrs. Claus took care of all the paperwork.  

'It was a beautiful sunny, chilly day, with smiles and laughter, and joy."

Barbian thanked the many volunteers who helped to make the day a success.