Long Beach's Mrs. Claus rings in the Christmas cheer

Rosemary Finley of Long Beach has been a volunteer holiday bell ringer with the Salvation for several years. She participates in the Red Kettle Campaign annually with other members of the local AARP chapter.

"We've been ringing the bell for years," Finley said. "We do it for a whole day in shifts, usually at a Wal-Mart."

But Finley said she wanted to do something that would provide additional holiday cheer as well as appeal to those in giving spirit of Christmas.

And thus, Mrs. Claus was born.

Finley, whose friends call her Rosie, donned a Santa cap, furry red boots and a red Christmas tree skirt as a shawl and brought the North Pole native to life.

"I do it whenever I ring the bell," she said, "because I think the kids like it. They like to take pictures with me. Parents are always asking if their kids can have a picture made with Mrs. Claus."

She said she believes the suit also helps in collecting more donations.

"If the kids want to come see me, they usually have parents with them, and they are more likely to make a donation if I'm interacting with their kids," Finley said.

She taught school in the Harrison School District and the Long Beach School District for almost 38 years. She said she decided to slow down a bit when she was in her early 70s.

"I loved teaching," she said. "I always said I was going to do it until it wasn't fun anymore. Well, when I turned 73, I decided it was time to do other things."

During her 38 years of teaching, Finley estimates she taught about 5,000 students.

"I challenge all of my former students to get out and make a donation to the Salvation Army over the next couple of days," she said. "I challenge them to take 'Rosie's Challenge' and help the Salvation Army raise some more money."

Aside from the Salvation Army, Finley said her AARP group also works with disadvantaged children during the holiday season.

"We love helping the Salvation Army," she said. "The money we collect for them stays right here on the Coast."

Although Finley is 80, she said she has no immediate plans to retire Mrs. Claus.

"Oh, I'll be back next year," she said. "I mean, I'll only be 81. Maybe I'll stop when I turn 90."

The Red Kettle Campaign ends at 2 p.m. on Thursday.

This story was originally published December 22, 2015 at 7:34 PM with the headline "Long Beach's Mrs. Claus rings in the Christmas cheer ."