Donations collected for Henderson Christian Community Outreach; Other ways to give listed at the end of the article
(This article first appeared in the December print edition of the Hendersonian.)
Summer favorite On Deck sports bar goes dormant each year during the cold months, when revelers look forward to warmer, sunny days sitting at the bar, drinking cold beer and listening to live music.
But the past two Christmas seasons have brought something new to the local hangout—and it’s got less to do with suds and more to do with Santa.
This year, local Santa Paul Slawson will once again set up shop to hear children’s present requests at On Deck. The bar is covered with wrapping paper, and inside a rocking chair, gifts, faux fireplace and elves to assist are all part of the preparations of what is becoming an annual tradition.
Slawson, though, doesn’t use his time in Santa’s chair as a money-maker. In fact, he doesn’t charge anything, and only asks for donations that he will give to the Henderson Christian Community Outreach.
He said he wanted to choose an organization who could help people with food, especially because of the increased prices of groceries.
(Slawson’s donation is one example of ways that Hendersonians can help others in need during the Christmas season. Check for others at the end of this article.)
It’s a natural for Slawson to play Santa, what with his white beard and natural resemblance. But with Slawson, it’s more than his appearance. He takes Santa’s core mission to heart.
“There’s nothing better to me than when a kid walks in and sees all the stuff and their eyes light up,” Slawson said.
Joining Slawson is Mrs. Claus, played by Michele LaRocca, and Elf Noel, played by Marie Noel. (That’s not a misprint—her last name really is Noel.)
During the Covid-19 era, Slawson set up behind the window of the building next to Butler’s Apothecary. Once everyone got back to normal day-to-day life, though, Slawson said he wanted something in line with the traditional Santa Claus experience.
He got in touch with On Deck owners Greg Mullins and Rodney Thomas and asked if he could convert the bar space for Santa Claus visits. They said go for it.
Slawson also plays Santa for home visits and business Christmas parties, and he charges for those. But, he said, a fair portion of what he makes from those ventures he puts back into more decorations and treats to give children at his On Deck setup.
One of the big days that Slawson wants to publicize is Cookies with Santa, which will be noon – 7 p.m. on Dec. 21.
Slawson said his operation is perfect for those who can’t get over to Evansville or those who don’t like waiting in long lines.
And there’s no pressure to give any money—”whatever people can donate or no donation at all,” he said.
He said he loves the work and “as long as I can keep doing it, I’m going to keep doing it.
“Rewarding is not the word—it’s more than that,” he said.
Santa visits at On Deck are scheduled for Dec. 3-Dec. 5; Dec. 10-Dec. 14; and Dec. 17-Dec. 23. Time is 4-7 p.m., except for Dec. 12 and Dec. 13, which is 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Below are other ways Hendersonians can donate during the season:
• Goodfellows
You can send donations for the Goodfellows’ annual Christmas party to:
Henderson City c/o The Goodfellows, PO Box 716, Henderson, KY 42420
The funding goes to pay for the Goodfellows’ annual party for 500 children of lower-income parents or guardians in Henderson County. This year’s party will be 1 p.m., Dec. 21, at South Middle School. The Goodfellows have set a goal of $35,000 to purchase gifts for the children and pay for the party. Contact Richard Pendergraft at 270-860-7780 for more details.
• Volunteer and Information Center
Any family that wants help for Christmas, contact the VIC to get matched with a Santa’s helper. Call 270-831-2273 to learn more.
• The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides assistance to those in need during the holiday season through its Angel Tree program. The organization accepts donations of new clothes and toys for children and food for families. To learn more, contact the Henderson Salvation Army at 270-826-4472. Donations can also be made to the Red Kettle campaign at local Sureways and Walmart. It is the Salvation Army’s biggest fundraiser of the year and needed to fund its operations.
• Giving Tree Village at the Henderson County Public Library. According to HCPL’s website, the library will showcase five local nonprofit organizations, each decorating a festive tree. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the library, and vote for their favorite tree. The organization with the most votes will receive a monetary award, generously sponsored by Farmers Bank of Henderson. It runs from Dec. 1 through Dec. 17.
• Donations to organizations that assist people in need is also a way to give this season. Some of those local organizations are: Henderson County Homeless Coalition, Daniel Pitino Shelter Henderson, Warming Box- Hays Boat Ramp, Henderson Christian Community Outreach, St. Vincent DePaul, Father Bradley Shelter for Women and Children, Harbor House, Blessing Boxes around town, Chloe Randolph Organization, 4 Good Community, Marsha’s Place, United Way of Henderson County and Audubon Kids Zone.
