The Kiwanis Club of Christiansburg held its Annual Children’s Christmas party for 60 children and their parents or guardians on Dec. 14.
They gathered at St. Paul’s Methodist Church where they were fed, the children received gifts, and met Santa Claus.
The process began with the local teachers providing the Kiwanis Club with 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. The items purchased included coats, socks, shoes, boots, pants, shirts, underwear, and other items requested. Before the event, the Kiwanis members went on a club-funded 7 a.m. shopping spree at Walmart and purchased toys for the children. Afterwards, the toys were stored until taken to Christiansburg High School where they were wrapped by the Early Childcare Education Class. After being wrapped, the toys were delivered to St. Paul Methodist Church, where Santa presented them, along with the clothing gifts from the members, to the children.
After the children enjoyed pizza and drinks; they joined in singing Christmas Carols while waiting for Santa’s surprise entrance. Santa and his helpers called the children forward and presented them with their gifts. Santa presented each child 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 more than $13,000 total for the clothing and toys this year. Club funds came from fundraisers held during the year.
A big thank you to Walmart and its employees, CHS Early Childhood Education Class, Pizza Inn, Joco Mart, St. Paul Methodist Church, B & B Storage, 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 and the Kiwanis members who did all the work.
Kiwanis is a global organization of members, clubs, and partners who are dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. The Kiwanis Club of Christiansburg has provided service to the youth of the local community since its charter was granted in 1949.
Kiwanis Club of Christiansburg
