Thanks to a group of anonymous North Pole elves, 200 of Methuen’s elderly and homebound received a beautiful handmade cloth Christmas tree with their Meals on Wheels food delivery last month.

This project was a year-long labor of love, thanks to a small team of talented and generous folks who are obviously nimble with needle and thread!

The lead elf “told me what she wanted to do and I said that it sounded really great!” noted longtime Methuen Senior Center Meals on Wheels site coordinator Laura Watson. “It’s a wonderful surprise that (the recipients) won’t be expecting.”

Each 3-dimensional stitched-with-love tree measured about 8 inches tall. The festive fabric ranged from holiday trees, wreaths and candy canes to pretty snowflakes. Each tree was topped with a wooden star.

The individually wrapped trees – complete with colorful ribbons – showed up at the center in numerous large boxes, and Senior Center staff and volunteers were enamored by the loveliness and thoughtfulness of these amazing gifts!

The center’s nine delivery drivers headed out on their routes, eager to present their clients with that day’s hot food accompanied by the trees.

One driver returned from her route, sharing how incredibly happy these gifts made their recipients.

“Instead of looking at four walls, I get to look at a Christmas tree!” exclaimed one.

Another said, “Feels so good to be remembered.”

Boy, those wonderful elves REALLY worked some holiday magic right here in Methuen!