Santa Arrives at Pfeiffer-Burleigh School

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Dec. 26, 2007 - Santa Claus paid an early visit to Pfeiffer-Burleigh last week.

The red-suited gent presented gifts to hundreds of kids in kindergarten through eighth grade thanks to the generosity of Home Office Employees and their families.

While plenty of Employees had the opportunity to spread holiday cheer during the school’s annual holiday festivities, no one was more popular than Senior Actuarial Technical Assistant Albert Boorady.

Meet Santa

For the past three years, Boorady has taken a vacation day to be the Erie Insurance/Pfeiffer-Burleigh Santa Claus.

“I sit in an open area on the second floor of the school as kids file past me grade by grade,” says Boorady. “By the time the day is over, I’ve had the opportunity to touch the lives of hundreds of children. It’s wonderful.”

According to Boorady, one of the job perks of playing Santa is getting to wear his red and white outfit home for his two daughters, 5-year-old Victoria and 3-year-old Chloe. He also enjoys driving to the school in costume.

“You wouldn’t believe the looks I get from passing motorists as I drive by in my green car,” he adds.

Christmas elves busy as usual

While Boorady may have been the most well-liked, he was just one of many helpers.

Fifteen grade representatives, including Heather Love, started coordinating holiday gift-giving in November.

“I hung the wish lists we received from the school in the Claims Division,” says Love, senior claims data entry clerk, and third grade representative. “Employees took the lists home, filled either gift bags or stockings for their students, and brought everything back in time for our visit to the school.”

According to Love, two of the most heartbreaking student requests this year were for food store coupons.

With the help of Corporate Services, Cindy Matlock made sure Santa gave every first grade student a hat, gloves and a bag of toys and candy.

“The children were happy about receiving candy and toys, but it was the hats and gloves that really got their attention,” says Matlock, imaging/records specialist, and first grade representative.

“For some of the kids, the Christmas gifts we provide are the only ones they receive,” says Cindy Kerchoff, information resources specialist and sixth grade representative. “I really enjoy shopping for them.”

For nearly two decades, ERIE has maintained its commitment to Pfeiffer-Burleigh through the Adopt-A-School Partnership. The holiday gift exchange is one of the many programs held throughout the school year.

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