To celebrate the holiday season, the $79 million South Bay Credit Union in Redondo Beach, Calif., invited its 6,000 members and their families to take free photos with Santa Claus earlier this month.

Jennifer Oliver, president/CEO of South Bay CU, said the family photos with Santa Claus were taken by professional photographer Eric Marseglia, a credit union member who went the extra mile to get the families smiling.

South Bay CU Board Chair Jerry Gaines greeted and talked to members as they waited in line for their photos. And credit union member John Crookston, a retired firefighter, filled in for Santa Claus.

 “Many of our members received more than one photo… many received five or six. We encouraged them to share the photos with family, post on Facebook and print them for their own personal use,” said Oliver.

“We had about 50 members who participated. Since it was our first go at it, we didn't have anything to show the quality of the photos to our members. We think it will be better next year with samples,” Oliver said.