The Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita Valley is continuing its Rent-A-Santa Fundraiser again this year to help support survivors of domestic violence.

Santa, Mrs. Claus or an elf and be rented for a donation of $100 for up to one hour or $150 for up to two hours. The proceeds will help Domestic Violence Center of SCV.

Most visits will be scheduled Dec. 1 through Christmas Eve and DVC of SCV officials will make every effort to accommodate Christmas Eve visits.

The Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita Valley was founded in 1983 and has offered advocacy, shelter, therapy and support groups to thousands of survivors in need. Their objective will always be to stop domestic violence, build self-reliance and save lives through intervention, prevention and education.

To make reservations, call Head Elf, Barbara Cochran, at 661-251-1352 to reserve Santa, Mrs. Claus and an elf now! The schedule fills up quickly.

To volunteer to be Santa, Mrs. Claus or an elf, please contact Barbara as well at 661-251-1352.

One volunteer said about his experience as Santa:

“My wife, Mrs. Claus, and I have done corporate parties, private homes, community events, and school events. We have several events that ask for us each year and because of that, we have watched the kids grow from newborns to teens and some beyond! We believe that part of the reason we are successful is that we become familiar to the kids and they look forward to seeing us too. I have a pretty good memory and most of the time I can recall names and what the children wanted the previous year.

We have found that because we are accessible to the kids during the event, those who are at first reluctant to come to Santa get the chance to ‘warm up’ to him being around. We are able to get the pictures that Mom and Dad want simply by having Mrs. Claus let the children sit on her lap next to Santa. If necessary, Mom or Dad can sit next to Santa and hold the child.

The best part of doing this each year is watching the children and hearing their stories and wishes. There is always at least one story that tugs at the heart. And then there is the gratitude from the parents when Santa gets the child to reveal what they want for Christmas. Santa has to be up on all the new toys because you never know what a child is going to ask for.

Of course as Santa, I have to be able to answer ALL kinds of questions about me, the North Pole, the elves and Mrs. Claus. It keeps me young.

And remember, Santa is always watching. HO. HO. HO.”