From 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 13, children who are registered will receive such calls as part of Operation North Pole. Town employees posing as Santa's helpers have been making the calls for at least the last eight years, according to Zebulon Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator Debbie Wheless.

More parents take advantage of the operation every year. Last year, five of Santa's helpers made more than 80 phone calls. Many were made to homes with more than one child, leaving more than 100 local children with a lot to talk about between then and Christmas Day.

"It helps boost holiday spirit from the standpoint of being an adult," Wheless said.

"It's always fun and we get a kick out of it because we do it for the kids. For them it's one of those innocent things about Christmas.

"You still have those kids that really believe in Santa."

Operation North Pole is especially successful because Santa's helpers aren't empty-handed when they make their calls.

When parents register their child, the form asks for specifics on each child - a grandparent's name, a pet's name or a recent occurrence, to name a few.

That gives Santa's helpers significant credibility when talking to the kids, ages 3-7.

"When you know stuff, the kids really believe you're one of Santa's helpers," Wheless said. "That's what really makes it fun. You really get into it."

For some of Santa's helpers, like Garrett Underhill, Wheless said, it isn't easy to stay in character sometimes because of the things the children say while in the spotlight.

"With Garrett, last year was his first year doing it and I told him beforehand, 'Alright Garrett, get ready,' because every now and then you get a call where you've just got to stop and say, 'Hey guys, listen to what this kid said,' " Wheless said.

Underhill, returning for his second stab at the role of North Pole resident, said the younger kids tend to be star-struck when informed they're speaking with an elf.

He said that's far from true with some of the older kids.

"Some are shy and give simple answers," Underhill said.

"That's more the younger ones. Some will get warmed up and want to talk till your head falls off."

As to be expected, most children say they've been a good boy or girl.

In full belief the call is coming from the North Pole, others are fully honest and very apologetic.

"Some of them will say, 'Well, I really didn't mean to,' or, 'I'm sorry, and I won't do it anymore,' " Wheless said.

Registration forms for this year's Operation North Pole can be picked up at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S. Arendell Ave., and turned in at the center or at the Zebulon Parks and Recreation office in Town Hall at 1003 N. Arendell Ave. Forms must be submitted by Dec. 9.

Santa's helpers are looking forward to offering the free service again this year.

"You always have a neat story to tell," Wheless said.

"The kids just get so excited and so wrapped up, and you can hear it over the phone."