Letters to Santa moves to the Salina Art Center Nov. 21, with Altrusa volunteers writing Santa's replies

Salina children can write a letter to Santa and get a personal reply in the mail when the Letters to Santa event comes to the Salina Art Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21.

The free event is at the Art Center, 242 S. Santa Fe, which is the new home for the community tradition. Misty Serene, executive director of the Salina Art Center, asked that Letters to Santa be highlighted on its own because of the many community volunteers who make it happen.

Letters to Santa is a partnership of the Salina Art Center, Salina Selfie Station and Altrusa International of Salina. The Art Center provides a creative space for families to write their letters. Salina Selfie Station brings the stationery, special certificates and festive photo opportunities. Altrusa volunteers write Santa's responses and cover the postage to send them home.

Last year, more than 200 letters were written, and Altrusa volunteers sent personalized responses to more than 185 children.

Serene said the project was created by Genell Heimer of Salina Selfie Station. She described the event as a collaboration "celebrating creativity, literacy, generosity, and the magic of childhood."

Holiday card making at the same time

Free, all-ages holiday card making runs during the same hours at the Art Center, with all supplies provided. The card making is sponsored by First Bank Kansas.

Make a day of it downtown

Letters to Santa is part of a full Saturday of holiday activities in downtown Salina. The day ends with the Christmas Light Parade at 6 p.m.