Santa’s coming to town, but first, he’s calling to check in.

The Hopkinton Recreation Department is sponsoring a new Santa calling program, as Recreation Director Justin La Vigne continues to expand the town’s holiday season schedule.

Parents can pick up forms at the Slusser Senior Center, Town Hall and library or download them from the town’s Web site and fill them out to have Santa call their children on Thursday, Dec. 18, with a special message.

“They fill out a form about their child and we gather volunteers and call the children,” said La Vigne. “We’ll have workshop noises in the background and everything.”

La Vigne said the idea came from a previous job, where he found that it had great success. “It went over pretty big, although I came from a much bigger population. We had anywhere from 500 to 800 kids to call,” said La Vigne. “I don’t expect that, but it’d be great if we could get 50 or so. It’s all about getting the word out that it’s fun, free, and it gives the kids something to remember.”

In addition to the Santa calling program, La Vigne has organized the holiday lighting competition for a second straight year, and hopes to expand it. Winners for the contest will be chosen Wednesday, Dec. 10, so they must be decorated and entered in the contest by Monday, Dec. 8, by 5 p.m.

On Saturday, Dec. 13, residents can enjoy a hot breakfast at the Slusser Senior Center as well as a visit with Santa from 8 to 11 a.m. for a cost of $3.

Proceeds from the event will go toward Operation Christmas, which is organized by the Human Services department.

La Vigne said the events are key in bringing residents together during the holiday season. “It’s very important to involve the community for all different ages,” said La Vigne. “It helps if the families are out decorating their house and get some friendly competition going in the neighborhood. It’s a fun way to get to know each other.”

Though the events are enjoyable to organize, La Vigne said there is also a lot that goes into the planning.

“It’s fun, but it’s a ton of work too. I am really glad that I have the recreation committee because they help me out a lot,” said La Vigne.