Sometimes, there's a crowd and sometimes a little one holds back, but Santa makes each one feel welcome and listens to every wish list.
Christine Kirkwood/THE NEWS
Santa takes time with each individual child to hear their wish list.
Christine Kirkwood/THE NEWS
Two little "elves" make sure everyone knows the way.
Christine Kirkwood/THE NEWS
Santa gets a "high-five" from one of his admirers.
Christine Kirkwood/THE NEWS
Santa greets the waiting kids and parents
Christine Kirkwood/THE NEWS
Santa arrives courtesy of the Riverside Fire Department.
Christine Kirkwood/THE NEWS
TJ Rhodes/THE NEWS
TJ Rhodes/THE NEWS
TJ Rhodes/THE NEWS
TJ Rhodes/THE NEWS
Posted
By Christine Kirkwood
RIVERSIDE
Santa rode into Riverside in style in a red fire truck on Saturday, Dec. 9, greeted at the fire station by a fidgety throng of over 100 kids and parents.
The Riverside Area Community Club sponsored the event with donations from “Betty’s Santa Fund.” Betty Kaalberg was a former Riverside council member whose family continues this fund in her memory.
RACC volunteers Travis and Carol Riggan, Renee Arp, and Becky LaRoche handed out gift bags as the kids exited after their individual visits to give Santa (Scott Riggan) their wish lists. Boxcar Treasures also handed out small toys for each child and leftover gift bags were shared with Senior Village after Santa headed back to the North Pole.
Keywords
Riverside,
Iowa,
2023,
Christmas,
Santa,
Riverside Area Community Club,
RACC,
Betty's Santa Fund