Santa Claus traded in his sleigh for a helicopter this year, landing at the LeVerne Payne Community Center Saturday with Mrs. Claus to the excitement of dozens of children.
The event, put on by the City of Tallahassee’s Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Affairs Department, featured performances from local dance groups and giveaways. Local elected officials attended such as City Commissioner Curtis Richardson and Leon County Property Appraiser Akin Akinyemi.
The air was filled with holiday spirit as Christmas music played through the speakers while children laughed and played on the playground, snacking on free popcorn provided by the Tallahassee Police Department. Children also received gift bags with teddy bears and T-shirts provided by the City of Tallahassee. The annual Soul Santa event also took place at the Walker-Ford Community Center and Smith-Williams Service Center.
Keziah Haynes, a Tallahassee resident who brought her children to the event for the first time, reflected on her own memories of Soul Santa.