Parks and Rec Department prepares for annual Calls from Santa program

For young children around the world, this time of year is one of the most magical. Christmas trees are decorated, colored lights are strung and all that's left is the countdown for Dec. 25.

For those children who anxiously await the return of Santa, the city of Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department are once again providing a free service that will hopefully tide youngsters over until the big day.

For at least the last four years, the department has hosted Calls from Santa. Adults can fill out some basic information on a child, grandchild, niece or nephew, and Santa will give them a call and discuss what they want for Christmas this year.

This program is for children ages 2 through 10, and calls will be going out to the children of Cape Girardeau between 6 and 8 p.m. today and Tuesday and from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

"They talk for a couple of minutes," organizer Brian Schlichting said. "It just gives them something to look forward to at Christmastime, reminding them to be nice and not naughty."

Schlichting said the program has grown steadily since he took over four years ago, and he's glad it has, but he hopes the numbers stay manageable and parks and recreation staff can continue to manage it for free.

Last year, Schlichting thought, they made 150 calls to local homes to discuss the winter holiday and happenings at the North Pole.

For more information on the Call from Santa program, visit the Arena Building in Cape Girardeau or call 339-6340.

smaue@semissourian.com

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pertinent address:

410 Kiwanis Dr., Cape Girardeau