'I love these people' Santa says during another Westmoreland Mall visit from New Jersey

It may be the final time Michael Collins dons his red and white Santa Claus suit at the Westmoreland Mall.

The New Jersey resident, who portrays a beloved version of the Christmas character, said his health is declining.

“For the people, I’ll make the trip every year that I can,” he said. “But I do feel that this is the last year I’m going to be able to do it.”

Collins set up shop, as he has for the last couple years, at the Christmas Town store Thursday at the Hempfield mall to visit with families with whom he’s built relationships. He will be there Friday and Saturday and wrap up his time locally with a breakfast event Sunday at Chuck E. Cheese.

He first started work in 2019 as the official mall Santa. But after the New Jersey-based talent agency he was working with decided to go a different route in 2021, Collins planned his own trip to Westmoreland County. He estimated seeing 5,000 people during his stint at the Christmas Town store last year.

“It’s absolutely magical,” said store manager Ashley Ferry. “The kids, they just melt when they’re in front of him.”

On Wednesday, he visited children at a few school districts around the area before starting his mall duties in earnest Thursday.

“I love what I do and I love these people,” Collins said. “Greensburg, Westmoreland, Latrobe — they’ve made me what I am today and they honestly believe I am Santa. I refuse to do anything to change that.”

After Collins heads back home, the Westmoreland Mall Santa Claus will make his grand entrance on Nov. 10.

The mall Santa’s arrival will begin at 6 p.m. with a parade featuring the Hempfield Area High School marching band, dancers from Westmoreland Performing Arts and a tree lighting ceremony, said Stacey Keating, spokeswoman for CBL Properties, the entity that owns Westmoreland and Monroeville malls. The parade will start at the lower level entrance near Macy’s.

Santa’s house, trees, wreaths and wrapped gifts at Center Court have been updated, she said.

Other holiday happenings at the mall include performances Dec. 3, 1-2 p.m. by the Penn Trafford Community Flute Choir and Dec. 9, 2-3 p.m. by the Delmont Concert Band.

Pets are permitted to get photos with Santa on Mondays. To reserve a time slot for your child or pet, visit westmorelandmall.com/store/santas_workshop. Reservations are encouraged but not required.