NAU employees who are finding the holiday time of year difficult to manage, might also find Santa's sleigh at their door.

For more than 11 years, NAU employees have been donating money to a Santa's Sleigh Fund that helps coworkers whose life circumstances have made it impossible for them to purchase holiday food and gifts for their family.

Supervisors nominate the employees who are considered for receiving help from the fund.

The fund provides gift certificates to local stores, groceries and other help depending on the need, said Don Dufek, a program coordinator in Capital Assets.

Dufek began the program with Chris Johnson, a supervisor in transportation services. Together they help manage the giving.

"We also help NAU families who are suffering personal tragedies," Dufek said. "And Santa's Sleigh Fund can help all year round."

Through Santa's Sleigh Fund, more than $35,000 has been donated to NAU employees in need.

To give online, go to http://advancement.nau.edu/, or write a check payable to the NAU Foundation and note fund #4936 in the check memo line. You can mail your donation to the NAU Foundation, P.O. Box 4094, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, or drop it off at the advancement office on the third floor of NAU's Old Main, building 10.

For information, call (928) 523-2012 or e-mail University.Advancement@nau.edu.