Making Moves with JD Thomas (Santa Claus)

Can you hear those holiday bells? Mahala Landin sits down with JD Thomas. You may have seen him dressed up as Santa Claus, bartending at STIR in North Hills, or telling haunted stories during Halloween in downtown Raleigh. Did you know that he is also an Amtrak engineer? JD wears many hats!

Get to know JD:

• Website: https://www.thesouthboundexperience.com/southbound-santa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southboundsanta/

Reach out to The Rachel Kendall Team:

• Website: https://rachelkendall.com/about/team/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRachelKendallTeam/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therachelkendallteam/
• Touring the Triangle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touringthetriangle/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rachel-kendall-team/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/rkteam
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/rachelkendallteam
• Phone: [phone]

Episode Transcript

(00:06):
Well, hey there, Santa! It is sogood to see you in town.
It's wonderful to come back intotown because you know, I'm
getting ready for Christmas.
So many people are gearing upfor the holidays. And it must
mean that you're here for ourRACH Kid's Toy Drive.
That is exactly why I'm in town.
Can't wait to get this started.

(00:29):
Because we had such a good time.
Last year, wedid! And we helped so many
families raising toys for theRonald McDonald House of Chapel
Hill. But we also had somereally great interactive videos
that you sent to kids.
Well, you know, I really lovechildren, and I love being able
to do what I can. That's awonderful time of the year and a
wonderful program that you have.

(00:49):
I know my kids were superexcited to have a message
straight from you talking aboutwhat they wanted for Christmas,
what they wanted to see underthe tree, and maybe even a
little bit of personalinformation that would help them
have a really great year.
Oh, that's always the best whenI can feel that a child is
That's the season. So we havestarted our official RACH Kid's
telling me what they are proudof what they've done this year,
you know, I want to make surethat they know that I k

(01:15):
Toy Drive. We're so excited tohave Santa here with us again,
reminder that The Rachel KendallTeam donates a toy with every
closing. And that helps fund ourentire year. But this extra
little push is how the RonaldMcDonald House gives back to
each and every participant,sibling, and just makes sure
that everybody has a wonderfulholiday experience. So one of

(01:36):
the things that we're doing isour videos with Santa. Yes! But
we are also doing different binlocations across Wake County to
help donate and drop off toys.
So Santa, what exactly is in thevideo?
Well, I'm glad you asked. Youknow, what I like to do is
produce a video at the NorthPole for a special child or

(01:58):
perhaps children together. WhatI like to know is the child's
name. It's always fun to knowabout the Elf on the Shelf.
Because if I know that name,then that elf will come right
back to me and let me know howthat child has been. Ho, ho, ho!
And you know some other things Ineed are if there are other
siblings in the house or perhapsa pet pets name, and perhaps
some milestones oraccomplishments that that child

(02:19):
feels proud of this year becauseI want to touch on that. Also
parents don't forget, I can alsoput in some desired behavior
that you may like. Perhapseating all your vegetables or
sleeping in your own bed. Ho,ho, ho! Once I get all that
information together, Mahala, Ilove to produce a video right
there the North Pole, sometimesoutside in the snow and

(02:40):
sometimes with some of my trustyreindeer. Ho, ho, ho!
This is a great way for parents,aunts, uncles, friends,
godparents to get their childreninvolved, and to make them a
part of a great organizationlike the Ronald McDonald House
of Chapel Hill. So with a verysmall donation, you'll be able
to get your video from Santapersonalized too.
That's right. And remember, it'sgonna be a big Christmas. Ho,

(03:03):
ho, ho!So one other great partnership
that we have with the RonaldMcDonald House of Chapel Hill is
the Light-A-Luminary project.
This is something that's nearand dear. It reminds me of my
childhood. But so many peopledon't know what a luminary is.
Santa how do you find the housesat night?
Well, surprisingly, I use theluminaries. They're nice and lit

(03:23):
up, I can see them clearly fromthe sled, and I've trained my
reindeer to be on the lookout.
Ho, ho, ho! We had so much funhelping the Ronald McDonald
House with preparing these kits.
And you too can purchase kitsfor your neighborhood community
for $10 a kit. It's so beautifulto see your streets lined with
the lights of all of the seasonand to help Santa find all of
the homes that he needs todeliver presents to.

(03:46):
And it's always a big help whenSanta can always have those
luminaries lit up so I can seethem.
And Rudolph, too.
And Rudolph, too.
Santa, thank you so much forcoming from the North Pole. We
know it's a long journey, but weso appreciate your partnership.
Well, you know, I would not missthis for the world. And I think
it's just wonderful what you'redoing, and I'm glad and proud to

(04:08):
be a part of it. Ho, ho, ho! Noweveryone remember, Merry
Christmas, and I'll see yousoon.