SourceURL:file:///Volumes/Data/SERVER/Editorial/12.21.13/Charlotte/Christmas%20Kiddies%20Santas.doc
Some wait a long time for the opportunity. Most never give it up when they get the chance. That’s how 15-year Charlotte volunteer firefighter Kris Hulsebos sees it anyway.
When he joined the Charlotte Fire Department 15 years ago there were several volunteers in front of him with a stranglehold on the Santa Claus position — a role he has served in for the last five years as part of the Christmas Kiddies program. Hulsebos waited 10 years before a spot opened.
“I’m not giving that spot up until I’m officially retired,” Hulsebos said. “When I started there were guys that had been Santa for 20 or 25 years. Some of them had a really tough time giving it up.”
Hulsebos said he understands why. For those who fit the mold, playing the role of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve is an extremely rewarding experience.
“It’s been awesome,” said Jeff Wertz, who has been a Christmas Kiddies Santa for nearly five years. “It’s been eye opening, but to see the kids’ faces when they see Santa walking up to the house … it’s amazing.”
The department’s volunteers have kept this nearly 100-year tradition alive in Charlotte, giving up Christmas Eve with their families in order to spread joy throughout the Charlotte area. This year, volunteers will head out Christmas Eve to make stops at nearly 500 homes to deliver toys to children. It takes a team of many to pull it off, including six different Santas.
Hulsebos said volunteers understand when they join the department that Christmas Eve is dedicated to the community.
“I have Christmas Day with my family,” he said. “On Christmas Eve, we know what I’ll be doing.”
Last year, his oldest son joined the crew as an assistant. He held a flashlight to help guide his dad at each location.
“There are zero complaints,” Wertz said of spending each Christmas Eve taking part in the program. “Everyone puts in their time and the sheer reward his seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces.”
Sometimes, Hulsebos said, the parents’ reactions are just as good.
“We had a stop a few years ago where a grandma, mom and two kids had just moved here from out west,” Hulsebos said. “When we stopped there, the mom broke down. She could not believe people actually did this … she was overwhelmed.”
He said there are always new people every year and their reactions are usually the best, though nothing beats the excitement some of the children show.
“You get some kids that start to run in place, they’re so excited,” Wertz said. “Some just smile and point, they cant talk because they are too excited.”
“Once you do it, if it’s a part you like, it’s not one you give,” Hulsebos said.
