`CANDY BANDIT' BRINGS ANONYMOUS HOLIDAY CHEER.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Daily News Staff Writer

Delivering 50 doses of sweet kindness, the ``candy bandit'' has struck again.

With the assistance of the Lancaster sheriff's station, an anonymous elderly man delivered 50 boxes of assorted chocolates Friday to employees of Easter Seals' Lancaster office to show his gratitude for their work in the community.

``He delights in seeing cheer come to other people,'' said Deputy Theresa Dawson, who assisted the man in his lawful yet disguised activities. ``He doesn't want to decorate himself for it.''

This year, the self-proclaimed bandit had the candy delivered to the sheriff's station and asked Dawson to pass it on with thanks to employees at Easter Seals, which helps people with disabilities.

Although Dawson has not talked to the man in person, the two have left messages on each other's answering machines. He asked that no information about himself be released, she said.

``He's a very nice man,'' said Dawson. ``I can hear his sincerity.''

Last summer the candy bandit delivered 50 boxes of candy for Antelope Valley Transportation Authority bus drivers. He left a note thanking them for their service to senior citizens.

``You know that there's lots of caring people out there,'' said Dawson. ``The little Santas.''