When Santa learned that 50 children through the Save The Children Early Childhood program wanted to share their wishes with him, he knew something had to be done.
Instead of having kids come visit in person (although Santa is immune to the coronavirus), he decided that a video call just to be safe. The Board of Education’s Annex building was Santa’s Knox County Operations Center where the magic would take place. With each child receiving a personalized appointment with Santa, they logged in and got to see the jolly fellow for themselves.
“We normally have a Christmas event every year, but this year we had to do some things differently because of COVID 19,” explained Santa’s helper for the day Brittany Carnes.
“We could not have the event in person, but we still wanted to give the children a chance to see Santa and to receive a book so we had it virtual for them.”
One by one they logged on and told Santa what they wanted for Christmas. And in true Santa fashion, the book “A Letter to Santa” an opportunity to express their wish list in writing appeared in their home.
“It was so nice to see all their smiling faces and to hear what they wanted Santa to bring them on the Zoom call,” said Carnes. “I felt like the kids was able to talk to Santa better over the call than in person. Sometimes Santa can be intimidating for younger children.”
Now the children wait to see what Santa will bring to surprise and delight them on Christmas morning.
Special thanks to Santa for coming to Knox County to make the event possible and his helper Brittany Carnes.
For more information about Save the Children’s free learn and play programs for children ages 0-5 contact Brittany Carnes at brittany.carnes@knox.kyschools.us