SANTA`S WORKSHOP

Children at Fort Rucker Primary School had the opportunity to talk to Santa Claus today and tell him exactly what they want for Christmas. "I want a barbie," says Brooke Penix. Many of these children have parents that are currently overseas or deployed. That`s why it`s important to have events like today, to keep their mind at ease during the holiday season. Four year old, Dakota Magus , is just one of the many kids who has a dad getting ready to be deployed overseas. "He`s going to Korea...I don`t want him to go," says Mangus. That`s why Dakota`s mom feels it`s so important for the school to have what they call, "Santa`s Workshop,". Every friday in December the students have different activities to participate in. Today it was visiting with Santa and making gingerbread houses. Mangus helped put the program together and believes it`s important to keep them busy. "It`s really important to keep everyone together and to keep them busy to help take their mind off things," she said. Santa heard a lot of requests today...From horses to dolls, his elfs will stay busy, and some asked for a gift that will require some extra work. "They want their parents to come home for Christmas, and they were ready to see them," says Santa. "Santa`s Workshop" helps put children in the holiday spirit and focus on teh season. It`s also a good time to remind them that if they are good boys and girls, all of their wishes will come true. JANA JACOBS-REPORTER WDHN 18