Linda Manor Offering Annual Ho-Ho-Hotline

LEEDS — Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz has named Linda Manor Extended Care Facility “Northampton’s Official North Pole Substation” in a proclamation from his office. 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 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 24. The toll-free phone number is (855) 33-SANTA. Linda Manor recently held an event for residents and family members featuring a visit from Santa.

To prepare for the Ho-Ho-Hotline, residents went back to school to the Ho-Ho Academy, the specialized training course that readies them for the annual hotline. During the academy, residents reviewed the names of the reindeer, practiced their authentic-sounding “ho-ho-hos,” prepared answers to commonly asked questions, and perfected the gentle art of making no promises to impressionable and eager 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 the residents with 20 of the most popular toys of the season.

“When I was little, I would get a dolly or an apple for Christmas,” said one resident (and erstwhile Mrs. Claus). “I’m amazed by the technology in these toys the kids receive today.”

Added Linda Manor Administrator Mark Ailinger, “as a not-for-profit health caring facility, it’s within our mission to give back to the community. We’re eager to do that, while also reminding people that our residents are still very much a vibrant part of our community, actively engaged in wanting to make a positive difference in the lives of others, especially the children.”