CNN iReport

(Maricopa, AZ Nov 28, 2009) The air was thick with anticipation as approximately 50 families waited for the arrival of Santa at Maricopa’s own SouthWest Pole. This year, it was not sleigh bells that announced his arrival, as in years past; it was the sound of a Maricopa Fire Engine. As the sirens drew near, a hush fell upon the crowd, until the engine stopped and out popped Santa and Mrs. Claus. The crowd went wild, as they emerged from MFD Engine 572.

While Santa's sleigh is in the Elf Sleigh Shop getting its final tune-up before the big day, and Santa’s  Reindeer are in the middle of their preparation exercises for their heavy delivery in December; Mr. and Mrs. Claus contacted the Maricopa Fire Department and asked for a ride to Maricopa's very own SouthWest Pole. This location in Maricopa is a satellite location for their main operation center at the North Pole.  Mr. and Mrs. Claus were escorted via a fire truck to the Maricopa Southwest Pole, and all children were invited to meet them and donate non-perishable food or an unwrapped toy, which will be then donated to needy children and families through the Maricopa F.O.R. food bank.

This is the 4^th year Mr. and Mrs. Claus (Maricopa residents Rich and Linda Huggins) have opened their home in Maricopa and invite all children to stop by and meet with Santa regarding their Christmas wishes. They convert their garage and front yard into a very elaborate Southwest Pole Setting that draws kids from all over the area.  Even their dog gets into the act and dresses up, usually hanging out on the mantle behind Santa. This year hundreds of children are expected to come through the Southwest Pole as each year the crowd grows. Mr. and Mrs. Claus ask for nothing in return except a donation of non-perishable food and/or an unwrapped toy that is then donated to the Maricopa F. O. R. food bank. No child is ever turned away from this event.

Brad Pitassi and Howard WaGGner contributed to this story

Photos by Howard WaGGner