PITTSFIELD, Mass. - Volunteers spent Wednesday and Thursday night connecting children to Santa and Mrs. Claus so they could ask what they wanted for Christmas. 

It’s part of Pittsfield’s North Pole Calling Program. 

“Talking to them about what they want for Christmas and any request the parents make that we want to mention so that the kids get the idea of being good,” said volunteer Dianne Shewcraft.

The volunteers helping Santa with the program get a sheet from each child’s parents telling them a little about them so when Santa and Mrs. Claus call, they know Santa is always watching.

Bill Knowles has been volunteering to help for 14 years.

Knowles loves doing this to bring joy and inspiration to children.

“Everybody has the opportunity to be an influence on the growth of children and I like to be a part of that whether its small inspiration of you know just a temporary inspiration for the day or you know a long-time thing,” Knowles said.

Two more of Santa’s helpers who have been doing this for a long-time love to hear the shock and smiles of the kids who pick up.

“Kids there’s stuff going on in their lives that if I can give them a little bit of hope a little bit of happiness that’s why I do it,” said Calvin Joppru.

“I love it because of the joy you hear from the other end of the kids and their parents it’s just so heartwarming it really is it’s such a joy we’re blessed that we could do this and listen to them oh my gosh,” said Walter (Mike) Bradley.

The city of Pittsfield has been doing this annually for 74 years and this year made calls to about 150 children and they hope to have Santa and Mrs. Claus call even more next year.