Mark and Laura Lee Arena, elves Summer and Miranda Arena, and Santa’s visitor Mackenzie Avery. Not pictured – Elf Lana Greene. (Photo by Amy Porter)
WESTFIELD – The Arena family was all in for Christmas this year. They put up a Santa’s mailbox at ASignature Fence Company at 233 Union St., and asked area children to post letters to Santa. They also gifted many of the items children requested.
On Dec, 23 and 24, Santa paid a visit, along with Mrs. Claus and a few helper elves. They took turns waving at people driving by, many of whom pulled over for a photo. Inside, they had hot chocolate, popcorn and cookies made by elf Summer for those who stopped by to visit, and no one left empty handed.
Ten families were chosen from the letters, and received their gifts. Among them was a new adopted dog, Teddy, who needed a fence for his house on Main Street to be safe. Another mother who asked for a present for her daughter with special needs received gifts for the whole family.
Mark Arena said they were definitely going to host Santa again next year, and Laura Lee Arena said this would be the first annual visit.
“This will be our new tradition,” said Mark Arena. He said his daughters are old enough, and as St. Mary’s students they have always been taught compassion. He also gave them gift cards to give out at the mall to people they thought might appreciate the help. He said St. Mary’s principal Matthew Collins and his son also stopped by to see Santa.
“I want to thank my customers that used us this year to make this happen. If it weren’t for them, we couldn’t do it,” Arena said.
