Santa hotline looking for last minute gift wishes

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mike Meares
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Airmen at Eglin have volunteered to help Santa Claus in his monumental task of finding out what toys are on children's Christmas wish list along Florida's Panhandle.

The 96th Communications Squadron is helping Santa by setting up Santa's Hotline Dec. 10 through 14. Children can call (850) 882-NOEL (6635) from 5 to10 p.m. to inform Santa of their holiday wishes.

"This gives children the opportunity to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas," said Staff Sgt. Donnie Perry, 96th CS. "Anyone who believes in Santa may call in."

When children call, they will first speak with an "elf" who will take their Christmas wishes and then ask if they would like to speak with Santa or Mrs. Claus.

"If you would like to speak with both that's fine, too," Sergeant Perry said. "We look forward to hearing from all of you."

Over the past few years Santa's Hotline at Eglin has averaged more than 200 calls a year.

"Santa is very busy taking calls from children all over the world," he said.