Holiday Express at Pullen Park

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* IN ORDER TO REGISTER AS A VOLUNTEER FOR THIS EVENT YOU MUST EMAIL MARY.OWENS@RALEIGHNC.GOV AND SHE WILL SEND YOU THE LINK TO SIGN UP.*

Event Description:

Holiday Express has become a City of Raleigh tradition for the past 10 seasons. During the event, Pullen Park is transformed into a winter wonderland where guests can experience activities such as a sledding hill, the Crafty Elves tent, a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Kris Kringle's Carnival and more! This experience would not be complete without volunteers from the community helping to deliver that holiday spirit and cheer.

Volunteer Impact: Holiday Express is one of the most recognized events in the City of Raleigh. By volunteering at this event, individuals and groups have the ability to start the season off right for families in the community. Your support can help enhance the magic of the holiday season for kids and their families.

Volunteer Shifts: There are multiple shifts to choose from. If you register for a "Rain Make up" day there is a chance that we will not hold an event that night. It is used incase we have to cancel a night due to weather. Shifts run Dec 6 - Dec 17th with the 10th and the 17th being "make up" days.

Volunteer Duties: Activities Team - Positions assigned on arrival and may include:

• Kris Kringle's Carnival - facilitates games of chance and games of skill designed by Santa's elves. If the kids succeed, they will win a prize. Heavy guest service, interaction and encouragement are required in this role.
• Crafty Elves Tent - Santa's helpers (kids) will come to the workshop to put together this year's holiday craft. This role will require a large amount of guest service, organization and hands on interaction, assisting kids with their crafts.
• Reindeer Food - It takes a lot of energy for the reindeer to make their trip around the world in just one night, so preparing their favorite reindeer food helps keep them going. This position involves over the top story telling and extra attentive guest service.
• Polar Caboose - Our Pullen Polar caboose is a great spot for families to stop for a photo op. Once they have their perfect shot, help them put together their frame to take home this souvenir of a lifetime. Great guest service and a willingness to talk to guests is essential for this role.
• Blizzard Boogie - Our DJ from the North Pole has made his way south to drop some beats for the holiday season. Assist with crowd control and facilitating our interactive games on the event lawn. Volunteers should be willing to actively approach and engage kids and adults to get them involved in the festivities.
• Santa's Post Office - It's the last chance for kids to get their letters off to the North Pole before the big day. Help kids gather their thoughts and prioritize their list before sending it on the way. Guest service and a willingness to sit and work with kids in this role is essential.
• Workshop - Help kids put together 1 last special craft for the holidays. Do you have what it takes to be an apprentice for the elves? A willingness to work with kids of all ages and an ability to do basic arts and crafts are required for this role.
• Candy Cane Hunt - these sweet treats are hidden around the park. Help the kids find them all so they can claim their reward. A willingness to talk to guests and explain basic instructions are required in this role.

Work Environment: Holiday Express is predominantly an outdoor event and you may be working in the cold, snow or possibly light rain. Please dress in layers so that you can change accordingly if your location is moved. This event will have a lot of lights and crowd activity so there is the possibility it could be loud and busy. Restrooms are on site.

Volunteer Requirements: 15 is the minimum age requirement for volunteers. If you are volunteering, you are required to stay for the entire shift.

This opportunity is not to be used towards court appointed or suggested community service hours.

Special Instructions: Volunteers should wear layers, including gloves as this is event mostly takes place outdoors during the winter. While it's sometimes cold, the ability to take off layers according to your work location is helpful.

Food (PDQ), snacks, and drinks will be provided to consume during your break time.

Please park behind the Pullen Park Community Center - interact with the parking staff at the front entrance and they should direct you.

All volunteers should meet at the Hospitality Tent for a team meeting and position assignments.

**Registration as a volunteer is first come, first served. If interested in registering a group, please email mary.owens@raleighnc.gov . We require a list of names and their email addresses to hold spots for groups.*

Per department policy this event cannot count towards court-appointed or suggested community service hours.