By KAITLYN NEFF
Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT, W.Va, — Santa Claus took some time off from the North Pole and made a visit to the Times West Virginian to hear the Christmas wishes of the children of Marion County on Sunday.
In an effort to host a community event where people could come together in celebration of the upcoming Christmas holiday, Santa spent the afternoon at the Times West Virginian office listening to Christmas wishes and taking photos to cherish a Christmas tradition.
(Times West Virginian photo by Tammy Shriver)
“This past year, we have focused on being a true community newspaper, and throughout the year, we have tried to hold and participate in community events,” Times West Virginian publisher Julie fox said. “I overheard my staff talk about the lack of places in Fairmont that you could go and have pictures taken with Santa, so it started me thinking of how the Times West Virginian could help. This is how pictures with Santa came about.”
The event was held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday as a free event. Photos were available for a small fee with proceeds benefitting Newspapers in Education. Complimentary holiday refreshments and treats were also served.
“We wanted families to be able to come in and have their pictures taken and be able to spend some time with Santa without feeling rushed. We also wanted to provide affordable pictures for the community,” Fox said. “All proceeds from the picture fees will go to fund our Newspapers in Education program.”
According to Fox, the Times West Virginian provides free newspapers to the local schools for their educational use in the classrooms, and proceeds from the photos with Santa will help continue the efforts towards the program.
To mail a letter to Santa, visit Santa’s mailbox in the office of the Times West Virginian throughout the holiday season.
Email Kaitlyn Neff at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at [email protected].
See more from the Times West Virginian
