Volunteers Participate In Annual Santa Run Down To The Delaware
By Hadas Kuznits
Philadelphia (CBS) – Volunteers got into the holiday spirit on the Delaware River Saturday morning. Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves had gifts to distribute.
Volunteers from the Seamen's Church Institute brought goodies over to local merchant seafarers.
Jupiter Boat captain Ralph Onesti says it's all part of their annual Santa Run.
"This is the sixth year I believe. We're taking Santa out to the ships where the seamen can't get off so we deliver gifts to them. Then, we will hoist up gifts. It's really pretty cool."
The Jupiter stopped at Packer Terminal, the Navy Yard and in Gloucester.
"We just sneak down there and bring them a little cheer."
But do they know gifts are on there way?
"Yeah, they have to know we're coming because they won't pay attention to us. One year they called the Coast Guard on us, and the Coast Guard was behind us!"
Onesti says the Santa Run is a nice way to give back to the merchants.
"Yes, they're handling everybody else's gifts so we reciprocate."
