She says it was a case of simple mathematics.
"I knew it was going to be a difficult Christmas for a lot of people, because you read all the time about people being laid off and the difficult economic situation," said Ann Ludwigsen.
"I think the Santa Claus Fund is probably going to have more demands on it, and fewer contributions."
That has inspired the 67-year-old for the first time to donate the $75 she planned to spend on her granddaughters to the Star fund – not a huge amount, but a gesture much appreciated by fund organizers.
"The fundraising ... is off to a bit of a slow start this year. After two weeks of campaigning, we've noticed that the mail is a little lighter and the phones not quite as busy," says the Star's director of charities, Barb Mrozek. She said she's confident donations will pick up as the Christmas season advances.
Ludwigsen has three granddaughters, aged 5, 3 and 1, and had started looking for their gifts. Then she called her daughter-in-law with her new idea.
"I had started shopping for clothes for them – checked the sizes with their mother. But really, they have so many clothes," said Ludwigsen. "I thought maybe they could think about letting me send the money to some other children who don't have so much."
Her donation will clothe two kids in mitts, toque and sweater as well as provide them with candy, toys and books, with $5 to spare.
Ludwigsen's daughter-in-law told her the girls were happy to spread the wealth – on one condition.
"I asked my two (older) daughters at dinner what they'd think about donating their gift from Nana" to children unlikely to receive many gifts, said Jennifer. "They were quite happy to do that ... but my 5-year-old wanted to clarify (that Santa would still be coming)."
With that important issue settled, the family is proceeding with plans for a traditional Christmas.
"It'll be a little different coming without a gift for the children, but really, I don't think they'll notice," said Ludwigsen. "There's so much going on."
If you have been touched by the Santa Claus Fund or have a story to tell, please email santaclausfund@thestar.ca.
