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Santa visits Lodi improvement committee, highlights decades of volunteer work and special-needs outreach
Summary
A visiting Santa addressed the Lodi Improvement Committee about 30 years of volunteer work, special-needs events and free appearances; members discussed partnering on local outreach and seasonal events for children with disabilities.
A visiting performer in a Santa Claus costume addressed the Lodi City Improvement Committee and described three decades of volunteer work focused on holiday events and special-needs outreach.
The performer said he had "the pleasure of wearing this outfit for about 30 years" and described earlier programs that brought special-needs students together for dances and Special Olympics-related events. He told the committee he had "never charged a penny playing Santa Claus in all my years of doing it," and said he and Mrs. Claus serve as the official Santa and Mrs. Claus for the city of Lathrop while expressing willingness to support Lodi events if scheduled in advance.
Why it matters: Committee members noted the value of lower-stress Santa visits for children who find crowded mall settings overstimulating. Chair Davis suggested partnering to bring children with special needs to quieter events and discussed using community groups such as Rotary and Kiwanis for support.
Committee reaction: Members thanked the performer and discussed potential ideas including a mailbox for letters and collaborating with local nonprofits to fulfill requests. Staff and members agreed that with more planning the Santa visits could be integrated into town-hall or seasonal outreach events.
What’s next: The committee thanked the guest and expressed interest in planning community-focused events next year; no formal action was taken on event scheduling during the meeting.
