On any given year, Santa Claus visits students at an East Bay school to deliver presents and spread some holiday cheer.
Plans have changed this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Santa is taking his gift giving on the move, riding in a yellow school bus down California Ave. here in San Pablo to drop bags of goodies to kindergarteners at home. Six-year--old Martine was overjoyed to take a picture with Santa, even if it meant standing at a distance and wearing face masks.
"I think it's amazing given the pandemic," Martine's mom, Angelina, said. "It's really putting a smile on his face."
This is an annual tradition that typically takes place in the classroom. Mary Kitchen with the West Contra Costa Unified School District told KCBS Radio it was important to find a new way to spread joy while kids continue distance learning.
"Going in the classrooms, it's nice because we can call them up by name and all of that, but actually meeting them at their doors is very special," Kitchen said.
When pressed, Santa was clear on his intentions for the visit.
"I ask them 'Do you do your homework?' He said 'Yes, I did!' We just want to make sure that they're learning too. That's the key."
