Beacon Santa Telethon

This December, the students of WAVM — the student-run radio and television station at Maynard High School — will go on the air for the 48th Annual Beacon Santa Telethon, a 40-hour live broadcast that raises money for local families in need during the holidays. We are writing in the hope that you will help us share this story with your audience.

The Telethon began in 1978 as a student-led radio marathon and has grown into one of the region’s longest-running holiday traditions. It is produced and hosted entirely by Maynard High School students, who run the cameras, staff the phones, host the shows, and manage the auction — around the clock. The broadcast airs on WAVM 91.7 FM, on television Channels 8 and 28, and streams online at wavm.org, featuring live performances, radio shows, music, competition segments, and a live auction of donated items.

Every dollar raised goes to the Beacon Santa Fund, which provides holiday assistance to families in Maynard and neighboring towns, including Acton, Bedford, Billerica, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, and Westford. Last year, the Telethon raised $45,000, and the Fund served more than 360 families and 830 children across those communities. Over its 48 years, the Telethon has raised more than $1,000,000.

We would welcome your coverage in any form: a preview story, a listing in your community calendar, or a visit to our studio during the broadcast. Our students would be glad to be interviewed, and we are happy to provide photos, video, and background information.

This year’s Telethon will air from Friday, December 11 at 7 PM through Sunday, December 13 at 11 AM. For more information, visit telethon.wavm.org or contact Mike Basile, Director of WAVM, at (978) 897-5213.

Thank you for helping us spread the word about this community tradition.