Santa Brings Holiday Spirit To Local Children And Baylor Campus

November 30, 2004

by Amanda Lewis, Student Newswriter

Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and Clifford the Big Red Dog will bring food, fun and of course, toys to more than 1,000 Head Start preschoolers at the 12th annual Santa's Workshop from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, Dec. 3, at the McLane Student Life Center.
Sponsored by Baylor University's department of student activities, Baylor staff council and ARAMARK, Santa's Workshop allows children from the Waco area to experience the joy of the holiday season. In addition to meeting Santa Claus, each child will be provided lunch and receive a gift from the university's toy drive.
"We have heard from the teachers and parents at the schools that the kids look forward to this all year," said Jessica Truglio, Baylor's coordinator of community service. "For some of the kids, the gift they receive at Santa's Workshop may be the only gift they get."
Members of the Baylor community, as well as many student organizations, collected $5 gifts at drop boxes around campus. Students, faculty and staff also provided monetary donations to ensure every child will leave with a toy. Prior to Santa's arrival, volunteers will spend hours wrapping gifts and decorating the "workshop."
Several Baylor athletes and spirit squad members will serve as Santa's "helpers" by playing games and singing Christmas carols with the children. Baylor athletes and spirit squad members have assisted Santa in his workshop since 1995.
"People love to help out with this event. There is always an amazing feeling in the air with all of those children so excited about seeing Santa and having fun at the party. It is one of my favorite things we do with the community all year," Truglio said.
For more information about Santa's Workshop, contact Truglio at 710-2371.