LETTERS TO POLO NORTE STOP HERE COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS STUDENTS STAND IN AS SANTA'S ELVES FOR A DAY.

Byline: Amy Raisin  Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - In the uneven script of a child's hand, most of the letters are addressed simply Polo Norte. Yet the wish lists of hundreds of Spanish-speaking children found their way Saturday to a group of College of the Canyons students.

More than 20 of Claudia Acosta's intermediate Spanish students spent hours poring over the letters, then crafting cheery responses from Santa Claus that will be mailed to the children in time for Christmas.

``Here's a little girl that wants a pink doll and a bracelet with her name on it,'' said Amy Van Paddenburg, 19, who is in her third year of college Spanish. ``But some of them are sad, especially the ones who ask for something as simple as clothes.''

Indeed a sign of the times, many of the letters request computers or the latest video games. But for the letters that reveal a family in more serious need, the volunteers try to send back more than a letter from Santa.

Last year, the project yielded responses to more than 315 letters and 72 families were ``adopted'' - faculty, students and the community purchased clothing, food, toys and other necessities mentioned in the letters from many families.

``The students earn (community) service credit while the letters affirm what they're learning in class,'' said Acosta, who chairs the foreign language department at the college. ``Because the children are writing and it's not too advanced, the students are able to see authentic Spanish and correct some mistakes that maybe they make themselves.''

When the college students come across a letter that reveals a child or family in need of basics like food and clothing, they translate the letter into English so those interested in adopting the family will know the family's story and what they need.

Acosta said she has received letters from children that illustrate the unfortunate reality of many families.

``One child asked for a refrigerator because they didn't have anywhere to put the food, and others have told us that they live in a garage,'' she said.

Mayra Montes, 18, said many of the kids ask for high-tech gifts, but others politely plead for the smallest pleasures.

``Some of them say, like, you don't have to get me anything, Santa, and I'll understand. But if you have the chance, I'd like this or that,'' Montes said. ``They're not pushy at all. It kind of makes you sad, and it really makes you appreciate what you have.''

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Photo:

(color) Spanish-language students Chris Ripe and Michelle Garabedian try to determine what is being asked for in one child's letter addressed to Santa.

David R. Crane/Staff Photographer