LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- Sometimes, when a Christmas emergency crops up, the only answer is to call Santa. Thanks to LUS Fiber, (337) 534-GIFT has been designated as the Santa Hotline making it possible for everyone in Acadiana to reach Santa all the way in the North Pole.

The Hotline has been receiving thousands of calls throughout the holiday season, and Scott Prather, Public Relations Manager at LUS Fiber, has been given the role of Santa's assistant to keep track of all the messages so Santa can reply.

"At LUS Fiber it's just a way to give back to the community in a fun way, in a holiday way," Prather said. "Very cheerful. And it's been great. And it's been, I guess, is as active as it's ever been this year."

Prather says calls have been coming in from all over Acadiana, and Santa is hearing it all from children, to parents, even teachers who are calling in front of their students.

And as Santa is hard at work getting ready for the skies, Prather says he's still working hard on getting St. Nick to respond to all his callers.

"Santa is listening," he said. "So, kids, you're almost there. It's tomorrow. You're almost there. He's ready for you."

And just as Santa is checking his list for a second time, Prather even managed to put in a good word for Acadiana's News Leader.

"Hey Santa, it's Scott again. Just calling, reminding you about your 2:00 today," he said. "I've been sorting through your messages. And KLFY is on the nice list. Just wanted to let you know, and we'll talk to you a little bit later. I know you're busy, we'll meet at two. Merry Christmas."

The Santa Hotline will remain open through Christmas Day.

"Hit 1 to leave a message for Santa, 2 to leave a message for the reindeer, or 3 if you want to tell them who's on the nice and naughty list," Prather said.

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