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Santa Gets A Head Start

Tribune photo by JAY NOLAN

Santa Claus, also known as Harry Miller, gives and receives a hug from Delana Wagner at the Head Start at French Villas in St. Petersburg.

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By NEIL JOHNSON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 21, 2007

Updated: 12/20/2007 11:56 pm

ST. PETERSBURG - Even at 4 years old, Fabiola Gonzalez knew to keep her eye on the prize.

She wanted a hug from Santa, but she kept her stare on the teddy bear she was about to get.

Gonzalez was one of about 50 youngsters in the Head Start program at French Villas who got a bear and gift bag from Santa on Thursday.

Or rather from Harry Miller of Safety Harbor dressed as Santa.

The goodies were bought and wrapped by the 40/8, an honor society of the American Legion in Clearwater. Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Community Policing Unit helped to organize the event.

This is the fourth Christmas that the group has donated toys for children in the Villas' Head Start program, and the 10th in a row that they have distributed toys.

From the piercing squeals of joy when the children spotted red-suited Miller, there was no doubt they thought they were seeing the real thing.

One by one, the children got a bear, goodie bag and hug while Miller imparted advice such as to look both ways before crossing a street and always cross a street with an adult.

Inside the bags that were quickly yanked open and emptied, the children found gift-wrapped crayons, a coloring book, toothbrush and paste and pencils. The wrapping paper was quickly ripped and speckled the floor.

"I got bubbles," said 4-year-old Serenity Jones, holding up a plastic jar.

Despite admonitions from the teachers not to open the bubbles, most soon were.

This was the second year for Miller, from American Legion Post 238, to play Santa at the Head Start center.

He volunteered because of the enjoyment he brought.

"You watch kids smile. That's what it's all about," he said, looking as a final youngster hugged his legs. "You have to ask why?"

Reporter Neil Johnson can be reached at njohnson@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7713.

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