pumpkin painting, candy, prizes and plenty of spooky fun (left). Many local businesses and casinos routinely donate money, candy and prizes. This year remote-control car sets, air-hockey games, dolls and gift baskets were donated.

Hours worth of behind the scenes preparation is required. Numbers are crunched as an economically viable budget is sought. Dozens of letters are written and sent to numerous local businesses and casinos seeking donations. Phone calls are made in order to find the best deals possible when either renting or purchasing items. And permits must be filled out with the proper city offices for parking, policing and planning.

"It's good experience, juggling multiple events," said Hammond, who is also a member of the Atlantic City Arts Commission and Art Dorrington Ice Hockey Foundation. "I am doing things that I have never done before."

The Downtown Winter Wonderland is held each December in O'Donnell and Center City Parks, which are beautifully decorated with lights, wreaths and garland by the Landscaping Division. Local children are asked to write letters to Santa, which are then inserted in a special "Letters to Santa" mailbox located at the parks. Hammond personally reads each letter before making her way to the toy store. ACSID employees routinely volunteer their time to play the role of Santa Claus. Hammond, realizing the diversity of the populous in the city, makes sure that different ethnicities are allowed to portray Ole St. Nick.

A $10 receipt of purchase from any local business is required by each child to receive a free photograph with Santa Claus. The children are able to tell Santa what is on their wish list (right). Hammond, along with several staff members, personally wrap the presents before sending them down to the park for distribution.

A total of 77 children received gifts at the 1999 event. For those not in attendance, Hammond and several Courtesy Patrol Representatives personally delivered the gifts door to door. Nearly 150 presents were distributed in 2000, while unreceived gifts were donated to the Atlantic City Rescue Mission.

"I enjoy answering each letter and providing a gift for every child," said Hammond. "Most of the time the children get what they ask for."

Organizing special events at the last minute also occurs from time to time. In December 1999, Hammond hurriedly organized a holiday parade in Chelsea Heights (6th Ward) complete with local school bands, floats, and an Atlantic City firetruck with this journalist as Santa Claus riding on the back.