Although it may seem early to plan for a visit from Santa when temperatures are still hovering near the 80-degree mark, stores have long since carted out their holiday displays and Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley is also looking ahead to the holiday season.

Parents who would like to arrange a personal visit with Santa Claus for their families, or business and organizations looking for a Santa for a holiday event can make those arrangements through Zonta's annual Rent-a-Santa program.

Reservations are already filling for some of the most popular weekend dates just before Christmas.

The club also is seeking local volunteers who are willing to don a white beard and red velvet suit and be the star of children's and adult gatherings during the upcoming holiday season.

Most Rent-a-Santa bookings occur between Thanksgiving and Dec. 24, and a volunteer training program has been planned for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29.

Volunteers who would like to be fitted with costumes and learn how to make the most of their role are invited to attend the training in the offices of Getz Properties, 25060 W. Ave. Stanford in the Valencia Industrial Center.

Santa volunteers are the most in demand, but Zonta also has openings (and costumes) for elves and Mrs. Claus.

Zonta took over the local Rent-a-Santa program from the Santa Clarita Hotline some years ago and now makes Santa and his entourage of elves, Mrs. Claus and even an optional keyboard player with a repertoire of traditional Christmas carols, available for children's parties, community events, company holiday gatherings and even a personal home visit for lucky children.

Santa visits are available at $100 for up to one hours and $150 for up to two hours. A professional keyboard artist playing Christmas carols can be added for $50.

Proceeds help fund Zonta's programs in support of women around the world. Local projects include scholarships, grants for women "starting over" after a crisis in their lives, a free medical screening for uninsured women, and the Healthy Kids Club for girls in Val Verde.

The club also supports the Committee on Aging's Home Delivered Meals program, Domestic Violence Center and other local organizations that impact the status of women in the community.

Santa bookings are made through the club, and volunteers are able to select from daytime, weekend or evening events that meet the demands of their own schedules.

Zonta members volunteer to play the role of Mrs. Claus and elves, and professional organist Nancy Albrecht adds her keyboard talents to the mix. Linda Storli is chair of this year's program.

Prospective Santas, or groups interested in booking a Rent-a-Santa program can obtain further information from reservations co-chair Barbara Stearns-Cochran at (661) 251-1352, daily from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.