What started as Pastor Tim Letsch noticing long Christmas lines has slowly but surely turned into a holiday tradition for many East Texas towns. 

In 2009, Pastor Tim did a simple thing – he went to the mall. There he found an “endless line of children waiting to see Santa” and an “endless line of parents waiting to shell out lots of money for a picture of that moment.” He couldn’t help but wonder – ‘What about the kids who can’t afford something like this?’

From that moment, the vision for Mobile Santa was born. 

“Mobile Santa started as a lean-to on the back of a trailer, going up and down the streets of Van,” says “Head Elf” and Mobile Santa coordinator JoAnna Voyles. “Children could come take a free picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus right in their neighborhood!”

One year later, however, the group had a fully-enclosed trailer to bring Santa to the kids, and Mobile Santa also started coming to Lindale and Mineola. Mobile Santa, which is completely free to all participants, now includes a cast of other iconic Christmas characters to meet including Olaf, the Grinch and Rudolph. The group even brings hot chocolate to each neighborhood they visit and makes sure that each person gets personal time with the Clauses.

“[This fills] both hearts and bellies with warmth this season,” says Voyles.

And, to add icing on the proverbial cake, the Mobile Santa group is actually a mission field, too.

“Over the years Mobile Santa has seen thousands of families come through the trailer. …This is our Christmas tradition as much as it is for those in the community!” says Voyles. “Our Santa and Mrs. Claus often pray with our guests when they come to us with requests that can’t fit under a tree or neatly wrapped in a box. It’s our privilege to share the love of Jesus – the true reason for the season – in a fun and meaningful way.”

This fantastic, heartwarming, local event is fully sponsored by local businesses and donations from the congregation of Crossroads Community Church in Lindale. Mobile Santa is also staffed by volunteers.

To meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, Olaf, Rudolph or the Grinch yourself this year? Or would you like some prayer and encouragement in a season that, for many, is not always full of cheer? Go to Mobile Santa’s Facebook page to find dates and places that the group is going. Mobile Santa will be in Van on Dec. 9 and Mineola on Dec. 10.