PLAYAS, N.M. -- Almost 100 students from Animas and Lordsburg attended the "Meet Santa and a Soldier" event, hosted by New Mexico Tech’s Playas Research and Training Center on Monday.

The K-6 students built gingerbread houses, mailed their Christmas lists to the North Pole and visited with Santa, who was assisted by members of the National Guard. Cookie, hot cocoa and goodie bags were provided by the Maverick Movement.

The Grinch even made a special appearance, which completed the entire Winter Wonderland experience.

"This event is the first of many to come out here at Playas,” says Erica Valdez, Community Outreach and Economic Development Specialist at PRTC. "We have so many ways we can provide opportunities for the youth of Hidalgo County, and I'm excited to bridge the gap between what we do at Playas and the surrounding communities."