Santa is making a special visit to the kindergarten classes at Rhodes Elementary School on Dec. 18, thanks to the folks at Villa de San Antonio, a senior living community located just down the street from the school.
Thomas Swift, 78, and a Villa de San Antonio (VSA) resident, has spent 40 years portraying Santa for kids at churches, schools and other community organizations.
For the third year, he will bring the love and excitement that only Santa can generate to 100 kindergarteners at Rhodes. He will distribute stockings filled with toys provided by VSA.
Swift began his role as Santa years ago when he worked at a downtown hospital. When he became a deacon at his Catholic Church, more requests came. “I’ve always loved bringing joy to children,” he said. “It is something that I can give to them. Of course, Santa also brings smiles to the faces of older people, too.” After visiting with the students at Rhodes, he is packing his Santa suit and heading for Estes Park, Colo., to celebrate the holidays with his six daughters and their families. It’s a special trip for him. “I’m going to be Santa for my first great granddaughter,” he said.
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