But others may desire to call Santa personally and thanks to the residents at the Andrew House, speaking to Santa and his helpers is just a phone call away.

For the last 21 years, the Andrew House Health Center has provided a hotline for children to call and present their holiday wishes. The calls are received by the residents of the center who are wearing red holiday caps and armed with a script to assist any request. The key words "We’ll see what we can do" make no promises, but gives hope to those who dial the numbers (860) 826-7005.

"The HO-HO Hotline residents are trained to answer all types of calls," said Activities Director Kathy Mulrooney. "They receive about 100 phone calls over the course of the week. So we are very busy."

According to Mulrooney, residents have enjoyed providing this service to the children, believing the service holds a reciprocal reward. The children believe they are speaking to Santa and his helpers, and the residents are excited about speaking with the children and sharing in the holiday experience. There is no charge for calling the HO-HO Hotline, and children can call as many times as they wish. The Hotline is open Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. through 5 p.m. The Andrew House Health Center is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility located on 66 Clinic Drive.

Franchone Fraser-Ben Reuben Bey can be reached at ffraser@newbritainherald.com.