By Amy Cherry

Staff Writer

Jerry Marshall is a believer...in Santa Claus of course. From 1986 to 1998, Marshall donned the traditional red and white Santa suit as he played the role of the jolly ole St. Nick for the Pennsylvania State Police’s Gift for Kids project. 

During the 12 year span Marshall visited children in Elk, Clearfield, Jefferson, McKean and Potter counties. He distributed gifts at hospitals, school and community centers as part of the program, which was headed up by former PSP Trooper Jim Brem of St. Marys.

“We worked six weekends in a row prior to Christmas. We distributed gifts on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays,” Marshall said. “Playing Santa came pretty naturally for me.”

As part of the Gifts For Kids goodwill program Marshall said he met many great Troopers from throughout surrounding counties.

Playing Santa Claus can be one of the most rewarding hobbies.

“Seeing the smile of the kids faces was a nice part of the job,” Marshall attested.

Marshall is only one of Santa’s thousands of helpers pitching in to visit with all young children throughout the world.

Although it’s been over 11 years since Marshall has been clad in Santa’s suit, he clearly recollects a humorous experience while visiting Bradford Hospital. Following a visit with some youngsters, Marshall was beckoned to visit with a few elderly patients staying in the hospital’s psychiatric ward. Marshall approached the ward escorted by two PSP Troopers, ambassadors of the Gift for Kids program. After witnessing this entrance, one nurse believed Marshall was being involuntarily admitted by police to the psych ward because he thought he was Santa Claus. Everyone played along when finally the joke was revealed to the nurse.

“Going to hospitals and seeing very sick children was one of the toughest parts of it,” Marshall said. “We had to check with the nurses to find out if they could have certain toys, such as teddy bears because they might have be allergic to them.”

Sometimes even the best training can't keep Santa from being caught off guard. Such as the time when Marshall spotted two young girls with mischievous looks on their faces. He anticipated they were going to try and pull off his beard, which they attempted before Marshall stopped them in their pursuit. He had the nearby trooper explain why the girls should refrain from doing that in the future.

During his tenure as Santa, Marshall recollected being escorted into various venues inside a state police car, complete with blaring siren and flashing lights.

More often than not Marshall teamed up with parents in doling out helpful advice to youngsters, such as ‘be good’, ‘listen to your parents’, ‘respect other people’ and ‘don’t do drugs.’

Throughout the years Marshall noted that children’s requests changed periodically depending on what type of toy was popular that year. Bikes have been and will likely remain a top item on many youngsters wish lists.

When not helping with Gifts for Kids Marshall sporadically made an appearance as Santa Claus at numerous Elk County Catholic basketball games.

Playing one of the most famous white-bearded men in history can be a daunting prospect.

“A couple of times mothers have told me these toys (from Project Gifts for Kids) were the only ones they were getting for Christmas,” Marshall explained.

As for attire, the traditional Santa suit is completed with shiny buttons, furry white trim, and a matching hat. Additional standard Santa accessories include a wide black belt,  buckled boots, white gloves and small, square glasses.

 While Christmas Eve is Santa’s busiest night of the year, young and old alike can access www.noradsanta.org to track his progress around the globe. The site features holiday games and activities as well as streaming video captured by “Santa Cams” from numerous cities along his journey.