WILX - HomePage - Headlines  Tough Questions for Santa  By: Beth
Shayne  Lansing Mall's Santa Claus remembers one Christmas when
a group of sisters asked him to make their sick father well. He
says every year, he gets requests to fix family situations and
bring back pets that have died. Years of experience have taught
him to counsel as he does his regular duties.  He also knows
never to promise gifts that can't be delivered. When a child
asks for a pet, for example, he explains he can't bring animals
in the sleigh. He also recognizes financial constraints, and
always tells children he can't promise, but he'll try.  When the
requests come by mail, the Salvation Army answers the call. The
post office forwards all letters addressed to Santa Claus to
them, and they read them to see if they can help. Major Robert
Scott, who heads the Salvation Army here in Lansing, says kids
are often more honest in their letters to Santa than to adults
in their life. His social services staff uses the letters to
alert them to dom