Early today, December 18, the legend of St. Nicholas came alive in East Baton Rouge Parish as he visited several public elementary schools.  All told, Santas dressed in the Victorian-style costume visited students in grades Pre-K through second at 11 schools.  At Capitol Elementary School, St. Nick heard Christmas requests in person from Pre-K students like (left to right in front) William Butler, Noreon Butler and Kyrielle Henry.  Items on wish lists ranged from race cars and dolls to a live tiger.  

Schools were chosen based on the number of students qualified for free and reduced lunch.  The event is organized annually by the Capital Area United Way (CAUW). Corporations sponsor the project at about $25 per backpack, and many of the gift items are donated.  

About 3,000 backpacks filled with toys, Crayons, coloring books and service information were placed magically on each school desk in the schools last night for Santa’s greeting this morning.  Santa read “The Legend of St. Nicholas” to children, answered questions and visited classrooms.  Each student received a special candy coin from Santa himself.