Club announces virtual visits with Santa Claus

2020 has brought on many challenges throughout the year. While COVID has continued into the holiday season, many parents have been worried about bringing their children to see Santa at retail stores. This has been a problem for many non-profits, so Kiwanis Club of Lake Oswego was up for the challenge.

The club brainstormed and came up with the idea of offering virtual visits online. Normally in a retail environment, Santa doesn’t have much opportunity to learn about the child before the visit. By booking the visit ahead of time, the parent has the opportunity to let Santa know a few special things about the child, allowing for a more personalized interaction. In lieu of providing photos that a parent would normally receive in a retail environment, the club decided to take advantage of the technology being used, and screen record the interaction. This will be a unique opportunity to share this interaction with family and friends who cannot attend holiday gatherings, and be a cherished memory for years to come.

To test the demand for virtual visits with Santa Claus, the club will be offering time slots on December 5th-6th. If demand is high enough, the club may open more dates and times. Visits with Santa are $20. Each 15 minute time slot includes 10 minutes of visit time with Santa, and a 5 minute buffer between other kids.

Proceeds generated from this fundraiser will be used to support youth programs for underserved children at River Grove and Oak Creek elementary schools, and a handful of homeless students within the Lake Oswego School District.

To reserve a time slot for your child, please visit: https://k20338.site.kiwanis.org/santa-2020/