It wasn’t exactly a sequel to “Miracle on 34th Street,” but a benefactor at Our Lady of Grace Church wanted to do something special for the parish’s children who believe in Santa Claus.
Enter Joanne Burley, the administrator for religious education at the church, who thought it would be wonderful to bring back the tradition of children writing letters to Santa Claus, complete with decorating Christmas cookies – most notably gingerbread men.
So Saturday, Burley and some valuable elves – as she called some adults who loved the idea and volunteered their help – set up various stations inside Fioretti Hall, which is usually the scene of the Rev. Peter J. Gower’s community dinners and socials.
There was even a donation from the Bread Boss in Johnston and, as Burley wanted it known, a “great benefactor of our parish who wanted no notoriety; he just wanted children who believe in Santa to write letters expressing their Christmas wishes.”
About 30 children of all ages showed up and decorated the gingerbread cookies, with items that were also donated by the Bread Boss, before getting a surprise visit from Jolly Old Saint Nick himself who made a special stop from his North Pole workshop.
After getting warm hugs from Santa – and whispering in his ear what they are wishing for on Christmas – the children went quickly to writing letters and placed them in a special mailbox that Burley explained “allows us to get those letters to Santa quickly.”
“The children loved the gift bingo games,” Burley said. “Just as much as they did decorating the gingerbread men that, by the way, were rather delicious. They also enjoyed pin the nose on the snowman, and they really liked the goodies we offered for treats.”
She said the adult volunteers were pleased with the amount of children that showed up and were excited about writing their letters to Santa, whom she added “was a huge hit and gave each and every child the same amount of time at his stand.”
“OK, Joanne,” an elderly man queried while Burley stood by smiling and watching Santa greet and talk with the children, “just who is that bearded man in the red suit!”
She smiled and quickly replied: “It’s Santa Claus; don’t you believe?”
Saturday’s “Letter Writing to Santa,” as the holiday happening was billed, will be held again next year.
“This was a special success and could become an annual affair here at OLG,” Burley said. “After all, Santa will live forever!”
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