Santa Claus makes an early appearance after receiving hundreds of letters from students

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Less than two weeks away from his busiest night of the year, Santa Claus took a break from his shop at the North Pole to visit Kirk Elementary School in Fresno.

For the seventh year, students took part in the school's annual letter writing contest.

"We have anything from kids requesting blankets because they're cold and sleep on the floor. Or we have things where of course they want the dolls or toys," said Vice Principal Denise Romero.

Vice Principal Denise Romero says even though the assembly did not look like a formal class. The lesson of compassion is one she hopes stays with them.

"We have 390 kids. Every child gets a present and it's all from the hearts of the community," said Romero.

The hour-long assembly felt like a lifetime for students wanting to find out what Santa brought them

Each student that wrote a letter got paired with a donor and while some were excited about getting to see Santa, others got to receive a bike for the first time.

Community members, churches, nonprofits and Kirk alum made it so each child left feeling the magic of the holidays.

First-grader Juliana Ramirez spent the morning hoping for a Christmas miracle--her very own bike.

"Because my teacher she prayed," said Juliana.

Grinning ear to ear, Ramirez says she can't wait to ride around her home and park.

"You see the hearts of our children their love for writing and the love for this time of the year," said Romero.