Toward the rear of the annual Union Leader Santa Fund luncheon Monday, a man sat with a long white beard and a red T-shirt with the words “Don’t stop believing.”

Derick and Candace Fedders, who also go by Santa Derick and Mrs. Candy Claus this time of year, bring joy to thousands of kids every Christmas, and they know there is a great need. That’s what the Salvation Army with the support of the fund each year is all about.

“The need grows every year. That’s the hard part,” Derick Fedders said. “With the price of everything going up -- fuel, food -- parents are struggling making that tough decision on what’s the need of the day.”

Candace Fedders sees and appreciates the dedication of the community coming together to make sure no one goes without gifts under the tree.

“It just makes

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