By T.W. ALLEN
PDT Staff Writer

Hundreds of area children and their parents lined up outside Spartan Municipal Stadium Saturday to see Santa arrive by helicopter and pass out toys. The Portsmouth Fire Department and the Bikers For Charity organized the event, which was expected to serve a thousand kids.

Life Air brought Santa to the stadium in style, with the helicopter touching down gently on the football field. Life Ambulance staff members were also on hand to help out.

"Bikers for Charity were out the past couple of weeks collecting money. They (Bikers for Charity) give us (Portsmouth Fire Department) half with the other half going to New Boston. They do their part with giving out toys," Chris Thoroughman, a member of the Portsmouth Fire Department, said.

This marks the second year for the event. Last year Thoroughman explained, they were overwhelmed and this year they were a little more prepared.

"Making the kids happy, that's what its all about. We do this for kids less fortunate who may not have a good Christmas, so they can at least have somewhat of a Christmas," Bill Cole, co-chairman of Bikers For Charity, said.

Those who went through the line were greeting by various members of Bikers For Charity with candy canes, hot chocolate and cookies. Each child was able to receive a gift.