PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Parks and Recreation Department is continuing its long-standing tradition with the North Pole Calling Program, and Santa Claus will give city children a jingle this week.

 

"You never know what someone or their families may be going through. It may be a tough time of year, or they may have had a tough time this year, or just recently, you never know so just providing a little bright spot and some joy and laughter," Recreation & Special Events Coordinator Becky Manship said. 

 

Pittsfield children in pre-k, kindergarten, grade 1, and grade 2 can sign up to get a phone call from Santa or Mrs. Claus thanks to the assistance from the Parks and Recreation Program elves. 

 

Older children who wish to receive a call from Chris Kringle or Mrs. Claus are also encouraged to submit a request form.

Children should register by Tuesday, Dec. 13 by submitting the form online or by dropping it off at the City Clerk’s Office, located at 70 Allen St in room 103.  

 

Santa and his team will be wishing children happy holidays this Wednesday, Dec. 14, and Thursday, Dec. 15 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. 

 

This year the Parks and Recreation workshop is hoping to have 170 to 180 children register for the chance to interact with Mr. Claus. 

 

Manship said volunteers often enjoy the experience just as much as the children receiving the calls.

 

"It's a long-standing program for a reason, and I think it is because of the volunteers and how much they love it. It's something they look forward to every year as well," Manship said. 

 

Based on the historical parks and recreation scrapbooks, the North Pole calling Program began in 1981 under the Parks and Recreation Department Park, Open Space and Natural Resource Program Manager Jim McGrath and Manship said. 

 

For 41 years the program has withstood the test of time, overcoming a global pandemic and spreading Christmas cheer during generational highs and lows.