A New Quota Tradition in Fargo

The Fargo Quota club worked for many years with another civic organization, Sertoma, to host Signing Santa at a local mall. A hearing-impaired Santa from St. Cloud, Minnesota, drove 150 miles to await children on a Saturday evening in December each year. Although weather usually foiled plans for many families, the few kids who were able to meet him were delighted.

Last year, the two groups decided to add something new and held a holiday party for hearing-impaired children and their families. The joyous event far exceeded their expectations, says Fargo Quota event chair Sharon Odegaard. "We were shocked at the number of people who attended. The deaf community really got the word out, and attendance far surpassed anything we had hoped for. Of course, Signing Santa was at the party, and everyone loved him. This will most likely be the holiday event we continue to sponsor!"

For a heartwarming story of a little girl's encounter with Signing Santa, click here.