Residents of James City County and Williamsburg have the opportunity to receive a phone call from a very special person this holiday season.
James City County Parks and Recreation is holding Santa Calling, where children ages 9 or younger can register to have Santa telephone them at home. Santa, who might be joined by Mrs. Claus or other North Pole friends, will be making the calls from 5:45 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9.
Santa Calling has existed since 2003, and usually involves 500 to 650 registered children.
Joy Kearney, Recreation Program Coordinator at James City County, said children love hearing from Santa.
“It’s something that’s just different and unique, something fun for the kids and the parents to get them into the holiday,” she said.
Spoiler alert for those who still believe in the Christmas magic: Santa and friends are played by a large group of volunteers who man the phones on the calling evening.
While some of the volunteer callers are employees of the county, adults from the community also have the opportunity to play an elf, or even St. Nicholas himself, on the phone. Adults are usually paired to make the calls, so couples interested can do their best Santa and Mrs. Claus impressions.
It’s a particularly fun volunteer opportunity, said Vicki Sprigg. Sprigg is the volunteer and resource coordinator at James City County, and has enjoyed listening to volunteers engaging in conversation with children.
“It’s really a great kickoff for the Christmas holiday,” she said.
Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Sprigg at [email protected].
Registration forms are available at the James City Country Recreation Center, James River Community Center, Satellite Services Office in Toano and online. There is both an English and Spanish version of the form, and there will be Spanish-speakers on hand to make calls.
Forms are due by Dec. 2 and can be mailed in or returned by hand.
