MOUNT OLIVE (11/21/06) - Santa Claus and township elected officials will be on hand with members of the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce for the formal re-opening of George’s Liquor and Deli in Budd Lake, at the corner of Route 46 and Netcong Road, next Monday at 6:00 p.m.

Santa will offer hot chocolate, provided by the Mount Olive Kiwanis, in appreciation for almost two decades of his and Mrs. Santa’s appearance at The Santa House to greet local youngsters to go over their Christmas lists and have their pictures taken with Santa.

"Thanks to George's, I've had the opportunity to put smiles on thousands of faces of children and their parents over the years," chuckled Mr. Kringle, "as children, pets, and people of all ages have come to The Santa House to tell me their wishes for Christmas and to have their photos taken with me."

"It's a lot of fun," added a nearby elf, "years ago, one family even brought a pet duck in to see Santa."

The Santa House building, owned by George's, was originally operated by the Jaycees and is now operated by the Kiwanis under the chairmanship of Councilman Ray Perkins. Santa will continue to distribute coupons for hot chocolate at George's throughout the season at The Santa House, which will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4:00 pm until Christmas.

The Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce was founded in the 1950's as the "Mount Olive Businessman’s Association" because of the need for a strong economic advocate. The association regrouped in 1966 as a Chamber of Commerce. For more information visit www.MtOliveChamberNJ.com or call 973-691-0109.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. To volunteer, to donate, or for more information, visit the Kiwanis Club of Mount Olive at www.MtOliveKiwanis.org or call Club President Brian Siegelwax at 973-713-5839.

George's, located 114 US Highway 46 in Budd Lake, offers food, beverages, newspapers, lottery tickets, alcohol and tobacco products, and more. For more information call 973-691-6432.