Akerah Mosley sits on Santa's lap and tells him what she wants for Christmas. Photo by Joanie Morris.

Staff report

He's seen them when they're sleeping. He always knew when they were awake.

Santa even knew that the students at West 22nd Street Head Start were nice, and so he climbed aboard his red sleigh — courtesy of the Kannapolis Fire Department — and brought all the students stockings and gifts on Wednesday morning, the last day of school for the 3- and 4-year olds.

West 22nd Street Head Start was host to Santa and a slew of helpers as employees of GB Homes helped him give out stockings and presents to the 58 students there. In all, Santa and his helpers delivered about $10,000 worth of goodies to the students.

Each student received a stocking stuffed with small toys, games, toothbrushes and bubbles. They also received a bag of gifts. Each student got a jacket, a pair of pants, a shirt, a pair of shoes, a package of socks, a package of underwear and a big, gender-appropriate toy.

Samuel Salamanca looks at the new Spiderman toy Santa brought him. Photo by Joanie Morris/Salisbury Post.

Santa knew exactly what each student wanted — whether it was Dora the Explorer or Spiderman. The students were eager to sit on his lap, let him know what they wanted for Christmas and even asked him a few questions.

"Where are your reindeer?" one asked.

"My reindeer are at the North Pole and they are getting rested for their big night," Santa responded.

"Are you coming to my house?" another asked.

"I'm going to be getting out my list," Santa said. "I'm coming to your house, but my list will tell me who has been naughty or nice."

Another student wanted to know if it hurt when people pulled on his beard and why he had hair on his lips.

Santa waves from atop Kannapolis Fire Department Engine No. 5. Photo by Joanie Morris/Salisbury Post.

Santa patiently answered each question before moving on to the next.

Sponsors for the day were GB Homes, CF Parks, Kohl's of Mooresville, Contractor Yard and the Kannapolis Fire Department.