Santa Jim is all spruced up for another joyful season with the New Bern Civitan Club. His suit is fresh from the cleaners, his boots shine like new, his gloves are spotless, and his fluffy white beard is perfectly puffed. Even his wire-rimmed glasses got a little extra sparkle. With his gift sack packed, he’s all set for Santa Land and ready to greet more than 200 Craven County Pre-K children.
This year’s Santa Land will once again take place at J.T. Barber Elementary School. Program Director Lois-Jean Stevens and her assistant, Kim Boyd, have teamed up with Santa and Mrs. Claus to bring a little extra magic to every child who walks through the door.
The decorating elves will transform the “Santa House” on December 1st, and classes will visit December 3, 4, 8, 10, and 12. Four classes a day will pop in between 9 a.m. and noon. The Coastal Photography Club, led by Rick Meyer, will handle photos and prints for the kids.
Operation Keep Warm Chairperson Eileen Buscemi has gathered cozy hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens. Books collected all year long — thanks especially to Mary Lorio and Linda Gorecki — will be wrapped into the fun. And soft, cuddly stuffed animals of all sizes have been donated by caring folks near and far. Did we forget to tell you each child gets their photo taken and printed on the spot to take home?
A cheerful crowd of helpers inside and outside the Club make this whole thing run. Mrs. Claus keeps everyone moving with her lovable “do this, do that” pep, and after 15 years, she still insists Santa Land doesn’t run itself. She’s right. It works because so many generous hands pitch in.
The sweetest part? Support comes from everywhere — books mailed from Michigan and Virginia, handmade winter wear stitched in New York, stuffed animals traveling from Washington D.C. and the Midwest. So many hearts wanting to give kids a little joy at Christmas.
If you’d like to help keep this joyful holiday tradition going, you can make a donation: NewBernCivitanClub.org/give. Big thanks to everyone who helps make this tradition shine each year.