Ho-Ho-Hoping for that Holiday Spirit

Santa made his first appearance of the year at Wednesday to help the Salvation Army generate some Christmas spirit in the middle of summer.

Flanked by Rudolph and Frosty, and with Christmas carols playing, Santa greeted a few hundred kids at the Christmas in July kickoff.

This is the fourth year the Salvation Army has run a Christmas in July campaign, which will be accompanied by red kettle bell-ringers in a few select locations, including Westfield SouthPark.

"We want you to get in the Christmas giving spirit," said Marilyn Ruckman, chairwoman of the Greater Cleveland Advisory Board, who reminded the crowd hunger doesn't take a holiday.

The organization hopes to raise $270,000 with its mid-year fundraiser.

Two other events are set for Westfield SouthPark:

• Singing Angels concert, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 24.

• Stars of Star Wars Bell Ringers -- Darth Vader, stormtroopers and other Star Wars favorites will man the red kettles from noon to 3 p.m. July 30.