Santa's helpers reside in Roosevelt County

Every year around Christmas, Santa’s helpers appear around Portales, handing out gifts and making children smile. And it’s Roosevelt County men who are under those red suits, hats and beards. Roosevelt County farmer and rancher Matt Rush and C&S Dairy Supply employee Mark Clark are two of the local men behind St. Nicholas. “I enjoy watching the kids get so excited,” said Rush, now in his sixth year as Santa. The job has taught him Christmas really is about the children, he said. Clark said it’s the season of giving. Playing Santa is his way to do that. He doesn’t request money, but Dairi Concepts offered him payment and a family may give him a few dollars and a plate of cookies for his work. Clark first became Kris Kringle 22 years ago, when he visited Junior Gresham’s family in Dora on the invitation of Gresham and his wife. “And it went on from there,” Clark said...read more