It’s a big day for the North Bay Santa Fund.

The KiSS 100.5 Carmine Ricciuti Christmas Special is on the air until about 9 o’clock this morning (Fri).

Santa Fund Co-Chair Lachlan McLachlan says there’s plenty of Christmas cheer and they appreciate all of the donors coming out to the event.

“Children from schools, offices and corporations, churches, you name it all four corners of the community come to Twiggs Coffee Roasters on Fraser Street and help us achieve our goal. It’s $140,000 this year,” he says.

As of mid-week, just under $50,000 had been raised.

McLachlan says they’re looking to brighten the holidays for hundreds of families.

“There’s some 650 to 700 families this year,” he says. “We’re quite excited, we’ve got all the toys organized and the food. We’ll be anxiously awaiting Christmas and hopefully the spirit of North Bay will come through, as they always do.”

The packing of the baskets, including a Christmas meal and gifts, takes place next Friday, December 22nd at Fort Chippewa Barracks.

Delivery goes the next day.