Springfield UUs collect funds for Syrian refugees with the help of St. Nick

At its annual Solstice Candlelight Service the Springfield UU Church had a visit from “St. Nick,” played by Jeff Taft-Dick. (Photo by Sharon Mueller)

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Springfield UUs collect funds for Syrian refugees with the help of St. Nick Springfield UUs collect funds for Syrian refugees with the help of St. Nick December 24, 2017 WFP St. Nick (Jeff Taft-Dick) explains the World Food Program to Rev. Mellen Kennedy. Photo by Sharon Mueller. SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – At its annual Solstice Candlelight Service the Springfield UU Church had a visit from “St. Nick,” played by Jeff Taft-Dick. St. Nick explained how in his younger days, he started with giving to just a few children locally in what is now know as Turkey. He recognized that there were children in need everywhere, and in time his operation spread worldwide. Besides the Christmas charity work, Nick actually has another occupation that we haven’t heard much about. “The Christmas gig is only a few months of the year,” he explained. “I was getting bored up at the North Pole in the slow season. And I really like to help out, to make a difference in the world. So, I got another job for the rest of the year working for the World Food Program.” Jeff Taft-Dick worked for World Food Program for 30 years. “I visit countries where people are having a hard time; I help them get food. There are lots of people in Syria who are refugees. They’ve left their homes because of the war; they are living in camp. We’re working very hard with the World Food Program to talk care of them. Thirteen million people need help. Half of them are children.” St. Nick spoke about how the WFP gives the Syrian refugees vouchers, which are like money. That way they can buy their food directly from the local groceries. That helps the local businesses thrive and helps the refugees become part of the local economy. The congregation then took up a collection of $660 to send to the World Food Program for Syrian refugees. If you want to contribute, please make out a check to: World Food Program USA, Attn: Development Department, 1725 I Street NW, Suite 510, Washington, DC 20006. Put “for Syria” in the memo. To make a donation by phone, call WFP/USA at 202-627-3737.