Published: December 01, 2008 07:55 am      

Hello, Santa? Is that you?

For generations, children have written letters to Santa Claus, telling him what they want for Christmas.

Thanks to Santa’s helpers in the Richmond Parks and Recreation Department, children can receive a letter from Santa.

The jolly, fat man may have lived for centuries in a remote corner of the globe, but his Richmond helpers have moved him into the 21st century.

Santa, who will continue to make phone calls, also can receive and send e-mails this year.

Although Santa may have been one of the first to go global, his Richmond marketing consultants have persuaded him to get the jump on his competitors, to make early home visits inside the city limits.

Applications for these program can be printed from the parks department Web site — parks.richmond.ky.us — by clicking on the Santa Programs link. They may also be picked up at the parks and recreation office, 321 N. Second St., or from either Richmond McDonald’s.

More information may be obtained by calling 623-8753.

Santa Hot Line

Children who are registered by Dec. 10 can get a phone call from their favorite North Pole resident via the Santa Hot Line.

Members of Eastern Kentucky University will be helping Santa with phone calls.

Santa letters and e-mail

Children who e-mail their wish lists to Santa via the parks department Web site will get a reply from Santa at no charge.

For only $2, Santa will write a personal letter to all those who apply by Dec. 12.

“The children will received a decorated personalize letter that they can cherish for a lifetime,” said program coordinator Lisa Cassity.

Santa Express

On Dec. 16-18, from 6 to 9 p.m., a Richmond Police officer will escort Santa on home visits inside the city limits to good girls and boys age 10 and younger whose families have registered.

Santa will deliver a stuffed animal to each child.

“The deadline is Dec. 12, but a limited number of visits are available, so apply early,” Cassity said.

The cost is $15 for one child, and $5 for each additional child in the home.

Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 623-1669, Ext. 267.