WYANDOTTE — It started out as a way to put a vacant building to good use during the holiday season, but it's grown into so much more.

Last year, the Wyandotte Jaycees quickly threw together some Christmas decorations, found a comfortable chair for Santa Claus and invited area children to stop by for a visit at the old Sawmill store at 3063 Biddle Ave. across from the clock tower.

The location is the same, but the Jaycees, in cooperation with the Wyandotte Business Association and Wyandotte Community Relations, greatly expanded the size of this year's Santa Village, thanks in large part to the enthusiasm and hard work of Rich Cieslowski, chairman of the Santa Village project.

Cieslowski said the idea for a Santa Village came about after Nathon Hartsuff, president of Hodgenick's Christmas Display Co., approached the Wyandotte Business Association last year about doing an outdoor display.

When the Jaycees heard about the offer, they immediately thought about the creation of an indoor attraction at the old Sawmill, in the heart of the city's downtown area.

They approached building owners Gary Lamb and Michael Budzinski, who offered the building at no charge.

"We were flying by the seat of our pants, but we made it happen," Cieslowski said.

With the financial assistance of the Wyandotte Business Association, animated figures and other decorations supplied by Hodgenick's, as well as the Jaycees' decorations, the display has tripled in size this year and has taken the shape of a true Christmas display.

The expanded attraction, along with increased advertising through Wyandotte schools, has resulted in greater attendance this year, Cieslowski said.

Parents are welcome to bring in their children to see the display and meet with Santa. A photograph will be taken of a child and Santa Claus for a small fee.

The attraction also serves as a drop-off location for lightly worn winter coats, new unwrapped toys, and nonperishable food items.