As the suits are cleaned and prepared for the next Christmas season to start just a little more than nine months from now, we reflect on the results of our efforts in the weeks past.

This was our ninth year of starting our season with appearances at the Tracy Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees. We look forward to this event and it was a thrill to have the help of Katrina, one of our “Santa Kids.” The first time we visited Katrina, she had a carrot, with the green still attached, waiting for Rudolph! Now that she has grown up, she was a big help at Festival of Trees.

Santa and the missus made 74 joint appearances, with Mrs. Claus adding 10 solo appearances, for a total of 84 visits in 30 days between Nov. 16 and Dec. 25. Out of the 35 home visits this past year, 25 were multiple family visits, allowing more time with our families and less time on the road. We were blessed with great weather — no fog — and only a few sprinkles of rain. The silver sleigh (our Toyota Prius) added another 2,513 miles to the odometer, allowing the reindeer to be rested for the big night.

Santa outgrew his belt in the past year, making for a very tight fit for the first two weekends. Knowing Santa likes cookies, which are found in abundance during the holiday season, Mrs. Claus went on the hunt for a piece of leather long enough to make a new belt. Her search took her to the Broken Arrow Western Store in Stockton. The measurements were determined and arrangements were made for the belt to be made and ready before the following weekend. Mrs. Claus was headed out the door, when she overheard the owner tell the clerk, “When Mrs. Claus comes back to pick up the belt, there will be no charge.” Mrs. Claus stopped in her tracks, turned around and asked if she had heard correctly. The owner just smiled and responded with, “Merry Christmas!”

Thank you, Broken Arrow owner Alta Montgomery. You lifted Mrs. Claus’ spirits that afternoon!

In mid-December, Mrs. Claus was surprised in a local grocery store by a woman that asked about her dress. As Mrs. Claus started to explain what she and Santa do, the woman explained that she also had a mission. Apparently, there is a man in Tracy, who chooses to remain anonymous, who asked her to find someone for his annual secret Santa donation. He gives her a $50 bill each year, challenging her to give it to someone worthy. Santa’s Charities wishes to thank this kind woman and the man for his generous donation

We always look forward to seeing the looks of surprise as we visit the residents at Tracy and New Hope Convalescent hospitals. This year was no exception, as we made our rounds to those who are new residents and to some familiar faces that have been there a few years.

The board members of Santa’s Charities attended the “Camp Taylor” Foundation’s annual Valentine Hearts Dinner on Friday where the nonprofit organization was recognized as the Camp Angel of the Year. Santa Charities presented a check to the Camp Taylor Foundation, on behalf of all those who contributed during the 2006 holiday season, for $24,617.71.

Each year, as we finish one project, it is time to look to the next. We look for an established children’s charity that already has the 501(c)3 status from the federal government so we don’t have to monitor how it uses the funds we donate. We also look for charities that are not well known, as our goal is to educate as well as to raise funds. If you have any suggestions, please send an e-mail to mrclaus@pacbell.net.

The calendar fills up fast, so if you haven’t already scheduled your visit, it’s time to call 835-7688 and reserve your time for the 2007 holiday season. We wish you a very prosperous and healthy 2007, and we are looking forward to seeing you at Jingle Bell time.

Tracy residents Leland and Leslie Routt are president and treasurer, respectively, of Santa’s Charities Inc., a local nonprofit group that raises funds for children’s charities through appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus during the Christmas season.