The Lone Star Santas visit Minute Maid Park

More than 85 Santa Clauses, elves and Mrs. Clauses invaded Minute Maid Park on Saturday. Who knew Houston was such a summer hotbed for North Pole residents?

These St. Nicks were actually on hand to collect toys and donations for Lone Star Santas, a group that “provides love, hope, joy and toys all wrapped up in a big Santa hug to children and families.”

The Santas travel to areas struck by natural disasters to personally deliver toys to children affected. They took over 4,000 toys to Joplin, Mo., following devastating tornadoes last year, and provided about 2,000 toys to families in Bastrop, Tex., following nearby wildfires.

“A lot of people are -- well, I won’t say are confused -- but there are a lot of Santas here, and it's up to them to choose which one is the right one -- the real Santa,” said Santa Reid.

According to Reid, who has 18 years of Santa-ing experience, the best part is the expression on the children’s faces.

"Especially when I tell them to clean their rooms!” he added.

-- Rachel Frey