A longtime tradition will make the holiday season even more magical for the islands community.<\/p>\n
The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club will hold its 52nd Annual Santa Run Gift Delivery on Dec. 23 on the islands, once again bringing cheer, surprise and a personal visit from Santa himself to homes.<\/p>\n
Board Member Tom Uhler explained that the club came up with idea for the event more than five decades ago as families were having to head to the mainland if they wanted to visit with Santa.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe thought, \u2018Let\u2019s do direct delivery to people\u2019s homes,’\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
What began as a small event has grown in community participation over the years.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re prepared to have up to five Santas,\u201d Uhler said.<\/p>\n
It is free and open to residents and visitors on Sanibel and Captiva.<\/p>\n
\u201cSanta Claus does not charge,\u201d he said. \u201cBut the club does accept gratuity or tips.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those interested can take part by first preparing their holiday gifts.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can do it for kids, we can do it for pets, we can do for grandparents,\u201d Uhler of the recipients.<\/p>\n
Wrap and clearly address each present, place them in a black garbage bag, and drop them off at the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District\u2019s Fire Station 171 by Dec. 23 at 5 p.m. Include with the bag the delivery address and coordinator\u2019s name and phone number for a point of contact. For deliveries to condominiums, try to include detailed directions to the home.<\/p>\n
\u201cCondominiums can be a little tricky,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Also include some personal tidbits about each recipient when labeling their gifts.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever the parents can feed Santa, so he can make it very personalized,\u201d Uhler said.<\/p>\n
On Dec. 23, Santa will make the deliveries between 6 and 8 p.m.<\/p>\n
\u201cSanta will show up with the gifts and bring them into the house,\u201d he said, explaining that he will distribute the gifts to all of the recipients and families are welcome to take photos with him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe typically have a number of stops, so we don\u2019t want to dawdle too long,\u201d Uhler added. \u201cBut we want Santa to be able to interact with the kids.\u201d<\/p>\n
The public is invited to take part.<\/p>\n
\u201cTypically, the majority of the visits that we do are to families who have come for Christmas from out of town. Kids are worried that Santa won\u2019t find them because they\u2019re not at home,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is special because it lets us visit with the families that are here on vacation.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information, contact Dick Muench at dick1312@aol.com or 239-410-6939.<\/p>\n
Fire Station 171 is at 2361 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel.<\/p>\n