Mr. and Mrs. Claus to kick off ’12 Days of Christmas’

Mr. and Mrs. Claus are back for their sixth annual “12 Days of Christmas!” The Clauses will arrive atop a lights-flashing and sirens-blaring Maricopa Fire Department truck at 6 p.m. on Friday at the home of Rich and Linda Huggins in Desert Cedars.

The Sequoia Pathway Academy cheerleaders will lead the march to the Clauses’ “South Pole” home.

Last year, more than 800 children visited during the 12 days. This year, with the sponsorship and assistance of Orbitel Communications, Santa hopes more than 1,000 will come. There is no charge to visit with Santa, instead, families are asked to bring unwrapped toys or nonperishable food items that will be donated to F.O.R. Maricopa, a food bank benefiting Maricopa families.

To help spread the news about the “12 Days of Christmas!” Maricopa High School’s broadcast journalism class produced a 30 second television commercial featuring Mr. and Mrs. Claus of Maricopa. Daron Connely, MHS broadcast journalism instructor, coordinated this commercial to help his students gain real world experience and to support a good cause.

“The spirit of spreading joy in our community and helping those less fortunate is the essence of the holiday season,” said Linda Huggins. Each year, the Huggins transform their garage into Santa’s living room, complete with a fireplace and their dog atop the mantle.

Children may bring Santa their wish lists, and parents may bring cameras to take photographs.