Spoiler alert: The residence and identity of Santa Claus will be discussed here. This article is not for the impressionable -- of any age.

In the late 1990s when Tom Schneider was asked to be Santa's "helper" in Zelienople, he figured it would be a short-lived assignment. But the years have rolled by and he is still making sure roughly 2,000 children a year get to meet the North Pole legend during his annual two-week visit to his Zelienople home.

"It started out that I would do it until they found someone else," said Mr. Schneider, of Lancaster Township. "Now it's been about a decade and it's still my job."

That's when he stepped into the well-worn role that had been handled by Burnett Rape, who was Santa's helper in the community for more than 52 years.

To date, Mr. Schneider hasn't received a pay check for his work. And that's just fine with him, he said.

"I don't mind volunteering my time to help Santa," he said, adding that another helper assists Santa a couple evenings, too. "It's fun and little kids tell Santa everything, so you hear a lot of funny stories."

Most of those who visit Santa at his house at the corner of Main Street and Grandview are usually 8 years old and younger. However, Mr. Schneider said he has seen grandmothers, parents, dogs and cats plop down on Santa's lap and discuss their holiday wishes.

"You're never too old to visit Santa," he said. "Everyone can sit on Santa's lap."

This year children are asking for everything from inexpensive Barbie dolls to pricey laptop computers, cell phones and Wii and Xbox video game systems.

Mr. Schneider said sometimes Santa has to remind kids that they can't get everything on their list. And also that Santa isn't in the business of bringing dogs, cats or horses down the chimney.

"He explains to the kids that they can't get everything because other children deserve presents, too," Mr. Schneider said. "And he can't promise live animals."

While most children come armed with a well-reviewed wish list, some ask for nonmaterial gifts.

"This one girl this year said all she wanted was for everyone to be happy and you could tell she really meant it," he said. "Sometimes it can make you sad to hear what they want. You just hope they get it."

During a visit, Santa also asks the expected question about behavior, letting children know that Mrs. Claus marks each day they behave with a smiley face. The days on which they falter, get a black check mark. Fortunately, Mrs. Claus removes those check marks when a child has earned a smiley face.

When Santa has to skip a house on Christmas Eve because a child has misbehaved, he's unhappy, Mr. Schneider said.

"Santa reminds the kids that if they're bad they don't get a present and he doesn't get cookies," Mr. Schneider said. "It's a bad deal for everyone."

The tradition of having Santa set up house in Zelie has been going on for decades. Parents can come in the house with their children and take photos, at no charge. If they forgot a camera, another of Santa's assistants will capture the visit and provide the picture for $5. All proceeds and any donations collected benefit Every Child Inc.

Every Child is a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit that offers support, adoption and foster care services for children..

And while visitors might have to wait in line to see the man in the red suit, once inside they are able to take their time and talk to Santa about any topic they desire.

"[Santa] takes his time with the kids," said Mr. Schneider, adding Santa also visits day cares, churches and other events during his time in Zelienople. "He wants them to have time to talk and not be scared and nervous and rushed."

When he's not volunteering as Santa's helper, Mr. Schneider is running the home improvement and repair business he owns.

He is also giving his time to other organizations in need of volunteers. Over the years he has helped many community and school groups by offering his time, money and carpenter skills. Be it Seneca Valley's baseball team, football team or marching band, he has always been happy to help.

In recent years he has made the Zelienople Community Park, which straddles Zelienople and Harmony, his cause. The park has struggled for years to make a profit and relies on money from local communities and donations to keep the pool open, ball fields usable and playground equipment safe.

He said recently the park association got a boost from a group of energetic young people determined to make sure the park is in top shape for decades to come. The group, "Friends of the Park," has held several successful fundraising events, from spaghetti dinners to concerts in the park.

Still, Mr. Schneider points out, more help is always needed by local community groups that are trying to keep towns like Zelienople and Harmony vital and beautiful.

"If they want to preserve what we have here, people need to start helping out," he said. "They don't have to give money or much time, just an hour here and there would be appreciated.

"It's simple: If you like what you see, you should get involved."

It is that determination to help that keeps Mr. Schneider returning to assist Santa each year.

"It's fun, and I really do it for the kids. They need Santa," he said. "They'll have to face reality soon enough."

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