A visit with Santa Claus is a holiday tradition, as is donating to the needy.

Customers will have the chance to do both from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday at the Green Goods store at 220 NW Broad St. in downtown Southern Pines.

"We're going to set up a special basket near Santa where people can either put money or canned goods," says Denise Olson, owner of Green Goods. "The entire basket will be donated to GodSent Angels Mission."

Olson recently met Brenda Burt, who founded the nonprofit with her husband, Ron, and has been nominated for the Governor's Award for Volunteer Service.

"Hopefully, our event will make people aware of her organization," Olson says. "Our paths crossed. It's all part of the journey. Things happen for a reason."

Olson adds that she will continue to accept donations for the nonprofit throughout the year, which suits Burt fine.

"People need food and clothing year-round, not just at Thanksgiving and Christmas," Burt says. "If everyone would help just one person, the world would be a better place. That's one of the reasons I am so excited about what Denise is doing. She is trying to make a difference."

Olson says there will be cupcakes to go along with Santa's visit, because Green Goods is also celebrating its fourth anniversary, but she wants the focus to be on those less fortunate than herself.

"I'm not worried about myself," she says.