A. K. A. SANTA

Paul Newman has been playing Father Christmas quite a bit lately. Through his prepared foods company, Newman’s Own, the actor-race car driver has donated more than $250,000 this month to more than 20 nonprofit organizations near his Westport, Conn., home. The donations ranged from $1,000 for the Hall Neighborhood House in Bridgeport to $30,000 for the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bridgeport. The executive director of the Community Shelter and Kitchen in Westport said the donation was completely unexpected. “This $10,000 came out of the blue,” the Rev. Peter Powell said. “We were surprised and extremely pleased.”