Santa was spotted making a few early deliveries Saturday in the Westville Unit 2 School District. It marked the 44th year of deliveries by the Santas Anonymous program.
Debbie Seripinas and Cindy Pataki founded the program, and Seripinas and Darlene Oaks were on hand checking Santa’s list before sending out volunteers with Santa to deliver toys. Things were a little different this year, though. Normally Santa goes into homes and talks to children as deliveries are made. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Santa dropped off toys at the door and waved to excited children.
Westville Firefighters and a number of volunteers helped with the deliveries. The school district helps identify families that may need a little help for the holiday. Seripinas was surprised that the number of families was down this year. Saturday’s deliveries went to nearly forty homes in the Westville, Belgium, Hegeler, Home Gardens and Grape Creek areas. In some years in the past the program has helped upwards to one-hundred families.
Seripinas says there is “a great team that makes this all possible each year.” She says in addition to the firefighters and other volunteers — the school district, Westville American Legion, and several businesses also help make sure the kids have a nice Christmas.
