185th Volunteers Help with the Santa House

  • Published
  • By Capt. Kevin Heineman
  • 185th Public Affairs
Sioux City --  The Santa House in downtown Sioux City is in its 21st season as part of the Downtown Sioux City Holiday Lighting Ceremony, and members of the 185th Air Refueling Wing and their family once again volunteered their hours for the worthy cause.

Over the past few years, members of the 185th volunteered to run the Santa House for one of the days while it is operation. "This is great," said Lt. Col. Neil Stockfleth of the 185th. "I brought my daughter and her two friends as the elves to volunteer." He adds, "There is no substitute for getting involved."

Stockfelth's daughter, Allison Stockfleth, and her two friends Brianna Eaton and Madison Sneller, were volunteer elves at the Santa house. They were very glad to volunteer with their father. "We are having fun and it makes us feel good and warm," said Allison.

Santa's House activities included free visits with Santa and many free children's holiday crafts, including a station where kids, with the help of 185th volunteer members, were able to decorate their own holiday cookies. "I like to help out the community and the kids for the holidays. I am glad to come out and volunteer," said Senior Airman Ben Curry, of the 185th Security Forces.

Children were able to get their photo taken with Santa. Santa's gift shop was open to allow children to shop by themselves or with adults, for items that cost $5 or less.

Since its debut in 1989, Santa's House has raised over $200,000 for the St. Luke's Miracle Network and Sgt. Bluff Kiwanis Youth programs.

Senior Airman Andrew Simoni, Security Forces, thought the Santa House was a great program for the kids at Christmas time and thought it was even better that the money raised went to help local area kids. He added, "This is a good time. I like helping out the kids."

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