WS Chronicle

Photo by Timothy Ramsey

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY 

THE CHRONICLE

‘Tis the season to be jolly.  With Christmas right around the corner, children are writing out their Christmas present lists to tell Santa Claus what they want.

The W.R. Anderson Recreation Center, in conjunction with Next Level Track Club, brought Santa to the rec center so that children can let him know what they are hoping for. Director of Next Level, Buddy Hayes, played Santa and has been doing so since 1992 at various recreation centers.

Hayes said he has known W.R. Anderson Director Bryant McCorkle for years, and when he asked him to come over to the center to play Santa, Hayes was more than welcome to do it.

The kids who came to visit Santa at the center were from the track club, recreation center and surrounding neighborhood.

The kids got the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they would like for Christmas.  The kids also received candy as a treat.

Hayes added, “I enjoy talking to the kids and seeing them smile. It’s a pleasure for me to be able to do something nice for the parents and kids during the holiday season. We have some great parents and some great athletes.  The parents come out and support us so much, so when I got the chance to help out the kids, it was a no brainer.”

Adaniss Taylor, La’Niya Simes and Jamya Wallace served as elves during the event.  They also participate in the track club as well.

McCorkle said he was happy to see the kids have a chance to tell Santa what was on their wish lists.  He hopes more and more kids come out in years to come.