For the ninth year in a row, Hillyard Santa is getting ready to distribute gifts to children in Northeast Spokane. The first distribution days are Thursday Dec. 15 and Friday Dec. 16. And then he's back for one more round all next week - from Dec. 19 through Dec. 23 - supplies and gifts permitting.

There was a line in the parking lot outside Bank of America’s Hillyard branch even before it opened today. But people were not lined up to refinance their mortgages, they were lined up to get a toy for their children from Hillyard Santa, Clyde Decker.
Bank of America has lent him a vault downstairs and he expects to have enough toys for more than 3,000 kids.
“I don’t give away all the good stuff at the beginning, I try to space it out,” said Decker, who takes donations all year and also spends some of his Social Security check on toys for kids. “People see me shopping and they say, boy, you must have a lot of grand kids. And I say yes, about 600.”
Decker is at the bank every day during opening hours through Dec. 23 - and no, he’s not sure he’s got enough toys. Word on the street this morning was that more than 500 families that usually are served by Spokane Valley Partners’ toy donations, may turn to Santa Clyde. Spokane Valley Partners are not giving out toys this year. Hillyard Lions and Kiwanis are helping Decker out this year - both with donations and with  managing the long line of people.
“Some want this to just be for Hillyard, but I don’t,” said Decker, while showing off the vault. “I want it to be for everyone.” Recipients must bring ID and proof of address to receive gifts.

The Hillyard North Pole continues this weekend, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The North Pole is located at The River Church, 5201 N. Market Street - bring a food donation and get a deal on your pictures with Santa.
Then on Monday, Clyde Decker aka Hillyard Santa, begins handing out this year’s round of presents for northeast kids. The presents are all stored at Bank of America’s branch in Hillyard and Decker and his elfs will be ready at 10 a.m. Please don’t bring any children on Monday - Santa is guarding the magic.

Walking through downtown I saw good old Santa taking a little break outside a coffee shop. He was reading the paper and enjoying what looked like a latte - I’m sure he’s getting ready for the Hillyard North Pole this weekend.

The North Pole, with shopping, bake sale, fun and pictures with Santa is at The River Church, 5201 N. Market Street, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Same hours next weekend - ho, ho, ho.

The Hillyard North Pole opens this weekend. This is the Hillyard shopping district’s main Christmas celebration and it runs this weekend and next. The event will feature vendors, treats and a bake sale - as well as pictures with Santa, of course.
Bring a canned food donation to the food bank and get a deal on your picture with Santa. The blog will be there on Saturday around noon. Note that the North Pole is in a new location: The River Church, 5201 N. Market Street.
Hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. - this weekend and next. For information call: (509) 487-1138.

Here’s a link to yesterday’s story about Clyde Decker and the incredibly job he does every year, collecting Christmas presents for kids in Hillyard - he can always use more. And don’t forget about the Hillyard North Pole - it’s coming up on December 4 and 5, and December 11 and 12.

Hillyard’s traditional North Pole Celebration will be held at The River Church, 5201 N. Market Street this year. The festival includes treats and vendors, shopping opportunities and of course a visit from Santa. Have your pictures taken with Santa in Hillyard this year. The North Pole is open on Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Dec. 5 from noon to 4 p.m. It’s also open on Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Dec. 12 from noon-4 p.m. For questions or to inquire about a booth or a vendor table call Vickie at (509) 487-1138.