Santa Claus is doling out some extra credit this holiday season to good boys and girls of all ages who bring the gift of non-perishable food to Arbor Place mall during November and December. Arbor Place is teaming with Santa and his elves to collect food and financial donations for Douglas County’s neediest families.

As part of Santa Feeds America, the largest nationwide canned food drive ever conducted by a shopping center developer, Arbor Place is joining more than 80 CBL properties across the country to collect non-perishable food for distribution through local food banks. The Pantry will use all donations to provide for those in need during the holidays and into 2010.

The Santa Feeds America campaign, conducted in partnership with WHY (World Hunger Year), is designed to provide meals to those who need them most and stock empty cupboards across the nation this holiday season. Due to the strained economy, hunger relief organizations are striving to meet greater demand for aid with fewer resources than ever before. More than 36.2 million Americans, including more than 12 million children and nearly three million seniors, are in need of food assistance, and the need is growing.

“Many families must choose between paying bills and putting food on the table. During this season of giving, Arbor Place mall will work with The Pantry to promote hunger relief to the tens of thousands of shoppers that visit our property,” said Pauline Tomlinson, regional marketing director. “Through Santa Feeds America we will help ensure families that need it most have a holiday meal to share and food in their pantry.”

The mall is asking shoppers, including families visiting Santa, to bring their food donations to the Santa Set. Those having photos made will receive a discount with a donation. Shoppers are not required to visit Santa or have their photo taken in order to make their donation. The Pantry will use all food and monetary donations to serve families in Douglas County and surrounding areas.

Food donations can be made from November 14 through Christmas Eve at the Santa Set located in Center Court, near Macy’s.

More information about Santa Feeds America is available on CBL’s website, www.cblproperties.com.