C-Fax Santas Anonymous Society has come a long way since its humble beginnings in a Victoria basement 35 years ago.

In 1977, founder Marilyn Cann wanted to make Christmas a little brighter for the 600 children who had just lost newspaper delivery jobs when The Victorian closed.

Last year, Santas Anonymous helped more than 1,100 families in Greater Victoria, delivering 3,300 bags of groceries and more than 6,500 toys to kids in need.

The society takes a personalized approach to donating, asking parents what each child in their family would like to see under the Christmas tree.

Supporters can then select those gift wishes from the C-Fax Santas station in local malls, knowing their donation is going directly to the chosen child.

The society, which recently kicked off its Christmas 2012 campaign, also runs a year-round grant program, available to projects dedicated to enhancing the lives of children in need in Greater Victoria.

For more information or to donate, visit cfaxsantas.com or call 250-920-4644.

dpalmer@vicnews.com