As has been the tradition for over forty years, the Kiwanis Club of Christiansburg held its annual children’s Christmas party on Dec. 19, 51 children and their parent(s) were invited and gathered at St. Paul’s Methodist Church where they were fed, received gifts and met Santa Clause.
The process began with the local teachers providing the Kiwanis Club names of children in need. They, also, provided a list of the clothing needed and the toys desired. Once the names were received, each Kiwanian took a name and bought clothes for the child they selected. Items of clothing purchased included; coats, shoes, boots, pants, shirts, underwear and other items requested.
On the Friday before the event, Kiwanis members went on a club funded 11 p.m. shopping spree at Wal-Mart and purchased toys for the children.
Afterwards, the toys were taken to the Christiansburg High School where they were wrapped by the Early Child Care Department. After being wrapped the toys were delivered to St. Paul Methodist Church where Santa presented them to the children.
The children enjoyed pizza and drinks and joined in singing Christmas Carols while waiting for Santa’s surprise entrance. Santa and his helpers called the children forward and presented them their gifts. Each child left with a bag of toys and a bag of clothes.
Kiwanis members provided transportation to the children who needed a ride to and from the event.
The members and the club spent in excess of $10,000 total for the clothing and toys this year. The money spent were shared by members and the club. Club funds came from fundraisers held during the year.
A big thank you is in order for Wal-Mart and its employees, the Early Child Care Department at CHS, St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Pizza Inn, Joco Mart, Rice Realty, Santa and all the Kiwanis members who helped make this event a success.
Special kudos are due to Dennis Hunter who chaired the event for the Kiwanis Club.
