Elf wanted: Naperville Park District needs volunteers for holiday events

Talk to any boss, from Bill Gates to Oprah, and they'll tell you the same thing: The secret to success is finding good help.

Santa knows it, too. Somewhere in his workshop there's a sign that says, "Your organization is only as strong as the weakest elf."

So whenever he visits Naperville Park District to spend time at his Santa House or have breakfast with his fans, he's always interested in who's around to lend a hand schlepping his sack or flipping his flapjacks.

And when you're dealing with a guy who keeps everyone in the world on a naughty or nice list, you don't want to let him down.

Which explains why park leaders are looking for about 100 special volunteers willing to work at three big holiday events this season.

If you'd like to help out at the Santa House along the Riverwalk, or Breakfast with Santa at the Riverwalk Community Center, or a Candy Cane Hunt at Knoch Park, organizers want to talk to you.

To make it as easy as possible, they're planning a volunteer sign-up night and open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave.

"We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are friendly and reliable," said Sue Omanson, community development project manager.

There are opportunities for people of almost all ages. Kids as young as 12 can work at the Santa House and as young as 15 at the breakfast.

But there's plenty of work for adults, too, and Omanson says it's not unusual for families, friends or even co-workers to sign up together.

The parks depend heavily on volunteers throughout the year, she said. In 2006, about 1,500 people donated roughly 80,000 hours -- many as youth sports coaches -- and saved the district nearly $1.4 million in personnel costs.

This time around, though, leaders are looking for people more interested in sleigh bells than soccer balls.

They'll begin the open house with a brief presentation, but would-be volunteers should feel free to drop in at any time during the two-hour gathering. If you can't make the Nov. 14 session, don't despair: You still can sign up later. One caveat, though: The best shifts tend to be gobbled up quickly.

Omanson says organizers are looking for people with a twinkle in their eye and a smile on their face.

"You need to think about providing good customer service and enjoying your time as much as possible," she said. "If you're having a good time, you'll reflect the fun of the event, too."

Here's a couple things you need to know:

• Breakfast with Santa offers two seatings -- from 9 to 10:15 a.m. and from 10:45 a.m. to noon Dec. 9 at the Riverwalk Community Center, Jackson Avenue and Eagle Street. The cost is $14 for Naperville adults and $12 for children. The registration deadline for guests is Dec. 5. As a volunteer, you'll be inside helping serve a pancake breakfast while awaiting Santa's arrival.

• Santa House requires the most volunteers because it's open for much of December along the Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue and Webster Street. Admission for guests is free, and they also can buy professionally taken photos for $10. This year's hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays, and noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 30 to Dec. 16. The house also is open from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 17-21.

The good news for volunteers: The district recently installed a heater inside the building. The bad news: You still better plan to dress warmly for your two-hour shifts because you're going to be spending time outdoors. You'll also be chatting with kids waiting in line so you can remind Santa that little Johnny really doesn't need new underwear and would much prefer that video game he's been chattering about.

• This is the second year for the Candy Cane Hunt, which will be offered from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at Knoch Park, on West Street near Naperville Central High School. Participants, who pay a $12 fee, begin their adventure making a craft inside The Barn and then head outside to hunt for candy canes in what Omanson describes as "a colder version of an Easter egg hunt."

Volunteers for this gig will have to spend time outside for the hunt and inside, helping kids and their parents with their craft projects.

For information about volunteer opportunities, call Omanson at (630) 848-3572 or visit napervilleparks.org.

If you go

What: Holiday Volunteer Sign-Up Night and Open House

Who: Sponsored by Naperville Park District

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 14

Where: Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville

Info: (630) 848-3572 or napervilleparks.org