By CINDY BISHOP

cindy.bishop@gaflnews.com

CORDELE — For the past year, all the little boys and girls in Crisp and surrounding counties have surely been on their best behavior, knowing that Santa would once again be watching what they do.

Well, it’s that time again and the Cordele Dispatch has just received “official notice” from the North Pole and Santa’s elves that the big man, himself, is ready to start making his list and checking it twice, trying to find out just who’s been naughty or nice.

Beginning today and continuing through Dec. 14, little ones across the area are asked to get their letters to Santa written and send them to the Dispatch.

“We will forward all the letters straight on to the North Pole,” said one of Santa’s elves by telephone interview Monday. “We’re getting very busy up here [at the North Pole] and want to make sure everyone gets what they want. By the time Santa comes on Christmas Eve, he’ll know exactly what every boy and girl in the land wants this Christmas after reading their letters!”

In addition to sending the letters to Santa at the North Pole, the Dispatch will also publish the letters in the newspaper beginning Dec. 16 and will continue until Dec. 23. Any letters received after the deadline will be forwarded straight on to the North Pole in hopes that they get there in time!

All children 14 years old and younger are asked to sit down and make a wish list to send to Santa. Parents are encouraged to help their little ones.

Mail letters to Santa Claus, c/o the Cordele Dispatch, P.O. Box 1058, Cordele, Ga., 31010; bring by the office at 306 W. 13th Ave., fax them to 273-7239 attn: Letters to Santa or e-mail to cindy.bishop@gaflnews.com.

Santa’s elf also reminds all the little ones in the area to be on their best behavior, since Santa is certain to be watching!