By RUTH STANLEY
Managing Editor

     For decades, Whitley County’s good boys and girls have been able to tell Santa Claus their Christmas wishes at his house on the corner of Chauncey and Van Buren streets.
     The same will happen this year. Santa will arrive Nov. 27 to hear requests from 4 to 8 p.m. that night and then will make regular weekend stops in the community through Christmas.
     But Santa Claus needs some help from former children who are now adults and business owners in the community.
     For the past 10 years, the Whitley County Builders Association has taken care of all the behind-the-scenes operations that make Santa’s visits to the community a reality. However, the Builders    Association no longer exists and the work of making Santa’s visits has fallen to a small group of volunteers.
     While plans are in place, there are still things to be done, said Jill Winebrenner, one of the coordinators.
     Mostly the group is seeking donations to help offset the cost of things like decorations for the house, a guest book for children to sign, candy canes, ornaments, reindeer visits, Santa’s pay and other needs. Some needs have already been met, such as a donation of ice melt from Culligan and an individual who has covered the expense of a reindeer visit for Santa’s arrival.
     An account has been established at Crossroads Bank where people can make donations to help offset costs. Donors can send or drop off their checks at the bank with the designation of Santa House Fund. Winebrenner said the group, knowing the economy is tough, isn’t looking for huge donations, but rather numerous small ones that will all help offset the cost of Santa’s visits.       Winebrenner said donations are tax deductible, and if donors want a receipt, they should include a name and phone number with their donation.
     Winebrenner said the local Santa house is a unique experience in the area, noting no other community that she is aware of has a Santa house. Guest books from previous years have recorded children visiting from nearby communities like Huntington, Warsaw, Kendallville and Fort Wayne. She said a family from Chicago, who is visiting family, takes their children downtown to tell Santa their wishes.
     Anyone who wants more information on how to help the Santa fund may contact Winebrenner at 244-7267.

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