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Santa Claus is coming to town, and he'll be stopping by Hill-Huett American Legion Post 260 every Saturday until Christmas.

Thomas and Donna Snodgrass, who serve as the Post's Commander and Auxiliary President respectively, have set up several areas within the American Legion building for COVID-19 adjusted pictures with Santa.

"It's been a rough year for everyone," Donna said. "And the American Legion family got together and said they wanted to something to keep... the upbeat in the community."

She said the group decided that hosting breakfast with Santa would be one way to do just that.

"Breakfast with Santa is happening every Saturday from 9 am to noon, from now until Christmas," Donna said.

Donna said the pictures with Santa are free, and a pancake breakfast is just $5. The breakfast comes with two pancakes, two sausages, and choice of coffee, milk, or juice.

"We try to keep it as cheap as possible...because we want to get the families in here," Donna said.

The Legion has three photo opportunities set up for families, and Santa is on-site and ready for pictures. Kids can pose with Santa peeking around a Christmas tree, reading a book, or standing on opposite sides of a Christmas train set.

"We do have a face shield for Santa, and he can hold a baby if that's what they would like to do," Donna said. "So we are set up for that too."

"Now granted, Santa is probably going to be sanitizing shortly thereafter," Thomas said with a laugh.

As an added bonus, Thomas said kids who show up for Santa photos will also receive a free stuffed animal, while supplies last.

Proceeds from the pancake breakfast will be used to continue supporting the American Legion in their community outreach efforts.

"The American Legion is... first and foremost, a veterans' assistance group," Thomas said.

He said the organization is the only veterans' assistance group sponsored by Congress.

"We do veterans, youth, and the community," Thomas said. "So we're open to the public. I've only got two meetings a month that is members only."

Thomas said Post 260's message of welcome is just now beginning to reach the community.

If you want to support American Legion Post 260, but can't make the pancake breakfast, Donna said there would be another opportunity later this month.

"The only thing we have coming up in the near future is on December the 19th, which is a Saturday night," Donna said. "We're going to do a crafts/bake sale silent auction."

She said proceeds from the bake sale would be used to donate to the Veterans Center in Sulphur, and also to purchase toys for the families of active duty military members. The toy drive is being done in partnership with Cooper Funeral Home, Donna said.

"If anybody wants to donate baked goods, and/or a craft or something, that would be awesome," Donna said.

To make a donation to the sale, baked goods and crafts can be dropped off at American Legion Post 260 after 9 am on Saturday. If a different drop-off day is needed, Donna said donors should call ahead to the Legion to schedule a time.

Bidding in the silent auction will begin at 6 pm on Saturday, and last until 8:30 pm.