St. Luke’s Home Kicks Off 17th Ho-Ho Hotline

Utica, NY (WIBX) - Santa and Mrs. Claus are back, hosting the 17th annual Ho-Ho Hotline at the Saint Luke's Home Adult Day Health Care Program in Utica.

Program Director, Leslie Lawrence, has helped each year the program has run. She says the Ho-Ho Hotline is beneficial to everyone involved.

"I think it's really special because our participants in program who come here during the day, they feel as though they're useful," Lawrence said. "They feel as though they're doing something special. They light up when the kids call in, and you just see the expressions on their face, so I think that's a huge reason... just to make them happy."

For the kids, it's a chance to talk to a celebrity. Mrs. Claus says children continue to ask for video games and cell phones, but classics like Lego blocks and Mickey Mouse are still popular.

"I write down everything, so in case the parent doesn't know," Mrs. Claus said. "[The children] get shy [and say], 'I'm talking to Mr. Santa or Mrs. Santa.' I want to tell you, they know [what they want]."

The Ho-Ho Hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10 to 4, and will take calls through December 21st. To call, dial (315) 624-4525.