Santa's Hotline at The Highlands: Residents Take Calls from Local Kids

 

The Highlands in Fitchburg, Massachusetts –– a premier skilled nursing and rehabilitation center or a not-so-secret outpost for Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their busy elves?

Well, for a week in December, it’s both!

This year, from December 18 to December 24, The Highlands will have Santa on the phone for eager, inquisitive children wanting to chat with the big guy and share their Christmas wishes.

All kids must do to speak with St. Nick or Mrs. Claus is call a direct, toll-free number between 3 and 5 p.m. any day until December 24. They can ask questions, share what they want for Christmas, and even sing a few holiday tunes.

You might be wondering how ole Kris, with his endless list of requests and millions of homes to visit each year, has the time to answer phone calls from the excited boys and girls of Fitchburg.

Well, he might have a little bit of extra help.

Loyal, industrious elves and rapid reindeer aren’t the only assistants Santa and his wife have this year. Residents at The Highlands have stepped up to answer the Christmas call and man the phone lines.

To qualify for such a big job, participating residents had to enroll in something called “Ho Ho Ho Academy,” an in-depth and quite rigorous course where they learned about the latest toys and received refreshers on all things Santa Claus.

And, of course, they practiced their “ho ho hos” to perfection.

Now that the helper residents have received their HHHA diplomas, they are ready to pick up the phones and meet the first flurries of comments, questions, and requests.

“Our residents are still vibrant members of this community and very much enjoy giving back their time and talent, especially to area children,” said Executive Director Mark Ailinger. “We’re delighted to offer parents and children the opportunity to create some wonderful memories by having their kids or grandkids talk live to Santa and Mrs. Claus on our toll-free number.”

While this is only the second year of Santa’s Hotline at The Highlands, Mark, the Highlands staff, and the residents (and Santa) plan to make it a holiday tradition.

Last year, the hotline went off without a hitch. The residents loved it, and the children loved it even more.

And after all, the mayor of Fitchburg herself called The Highlands the “Official North Pole Substation!”

It sure sounds like more than sleigh bells will be ringing at The Highlands this year, and we couldn’t be more delighted.

From everyone at The Highlands and Life Care Centers of America, Merry Christmas to all!

 

Remember, if you and your children or grandchildren are in the Fitchburg area and want to give Santa and Mrs. Claus a ring, call (978) 353-7344 between 3 and 5 p.m. any day until December 24!