Charles City Rotary will offer Santa telephone hotline Saturday, Dec. 10

Letters are the traditional way for kids to let Santa know what’s on their Christmas wish lists, and taking a seat on Santa’s lap and whispering in his ear is a time-honored way to get the message across.

But there’s also another way to share holiday desires with Old Saint Nick.

The Charles City Rotary Club has once again set up its direct hotline to the North Pole and will be helping out with calls to Santa Claus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Persons calling 319-238-9922 during that time will be patched through to Santa, Mrs. Claus and maybe even some of the elves if they’re not too busy getting the toys and goodies ready to be loaded onto Santa’s sleigh. There is no charge for the call.

Rotary Club members said even for kids who love the idea of Santa, sitting on the big guy’s lap can sometimes be a little overwhelming, but the youngsters really open up when they’re talking to Santa on the phone.

— By Bob Steenson