Linda Manor Creates Holiday Cheer Through Ho-Ho-Hotline

LEEDS — Residents of Linda Manor, portraying either Santa or Mrs. Claus, will take calls again this year from area children on the toll-free Linda Manor Ho-Ho-Hotline. The hotline will be open daily through Tuesday, Dec. 24 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The toll-free number is (855) 33-SANTA.

To prepare for the Ho-Ho-Hotline, residents attended the Ho-Ho Academy, the specialized training course that readied them for the 10th annual Linda Manor Ho-Ho-Hotline. During the academy, residents reviewed the names of the reindeer, practiced authentic sounding ‘ho-ho-ho’s,’ prepared answers to commonly asked questions, and perfected the gentle art of making no promises to impressionable young callers.

Residents were also briefed on the year’s hottest toys by local toy experts from Target in Hadley, who prepared a show-and-tell for residents. 

“As a young girl, I was thrilled to get a doll and maybe an apple for Christmas. I can’t believe the beautiful toys they have now,” said one resident after examining the latest Star Wars toy. “It’s a good thing I’m being educated on these toys, or I wouldn’t have the foggiest idea what this is when the kids call to talk to Mrs. Claus.”

Linda Manor Administrator Mark Ailinger added that “we’re delighted to offer the Ho-Ho-Hotline again this year. As a not-for-profit skilled-nursing facility, we’re pleased to offer a toll-free option for parents whose kids want to experience Santa in a very unique way. We’re also eager to remind people that our residents are still very much a vibrant part of our community, still actively engaged in wanting to make a positive difference in the lives of others, especially the children.”