A Superior woman is combining three decades of experience, a friendly neighborhood Santa and the Toys for Tots program to brighten the holidays for local children. For Jodi Rochon, it’s all about giving back.
“I love everything to do with kids, and if I can help in any way to help them have a wonderful Christmas, I am more than willing to do so,” she said. “I was very fortunate growing up, we always had a wonderful Christmas. I want all children to have those kinds of memories.”
Rochon, longtime administrative assistant for the Superior Business Improvement District, has set up a series of Santa meet-and-greet events at Superior businesses. Santa will spend an hour at each location; any family can stop by to visit and get photos with the man in the red suit at no cost. Visitors are encouraged to donate an unwrapped gift for a child age birth to 18, but it is not required.
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Visits are scheduled as followed:
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Thursday, Nov. 25, 9:30 a.m., Sterling Silver Studio, Mariner Business and Retail Center.
Saturday, Nov 27, 1 p.m., Artistic Florals by Leslie, 1208 Tower Ave.
Dec. 4, noon, Angie’s Closet, 1315 Tower Ave.
Dec. 4, 2 p.m., Games Then and Now, 1219 Tower Ave.
Dec. 8, 5 p.m., Thirsty Pagan, 1615 Winter St.
Dec. 11, 1 p.m. Northwest Outlet, 1814 Belknap St.
Social distancing is encouraged.. Masks will be available onsite if needed. Each of the businesses is a Toys for Tots donation site. Toys for the program can be dropped off any day of the week through Dec. 15, not just the day of Santa's visit.
The promotion was prompted, in part, by the pandemic.
“Hearing about all the families that have been struggling, especially through the pandemic, really hit my heart,” Rochon said.
She decided to volunteer using skills she’s honed for years working with local businesses. Although the event isn’t a BID promotion, many members stepped up to provide sites for the Santa visits.
“Without generous community-minded businesses such as them, events like this would never happen,” Rochon said. "It's so important to give back. I encourage people to stop by one of these businesses and drop off an unwrapped gift if they are able.”
