Paying It Forward: Santa’s Coming
Paying It Forward: Santa’s Coming
Be Santa to another person! Santa is among us, angel trees abound. Santa’s helpers delivering gifts.
Paying It Forward: Santa’s Coming
By Jack Browne
Santa is among us, angel trees abound. Santa’s helpers delivering gifts. As displays appear each year, celebrations new and old are held throughout our community. The Boys and Girls Annual Christmas Party celebrated 95 years of welcoming Santa with gifts for boys and girls. Over 700 boys and girls and their families from the four area clubs gathered at the downtown B&G club. Courtesy of a board member friend, I joined club staff and board members with the boys and girls on the gym floor.
As the children filed in the event started. Everyone was excited beyond belief seeing the pile of packages under the tree. After quieting all, Executive Director Randy Cooper relayed the joy he experienced attending prior Christmas parties as a child. He then challenged each of the four area clubs to cheer as loudly as the could. In between each cheer Cara Herr-Sauceda, director of programs, led all in Christmas carols. Cara signing the words for those without hearing with many boys and girls signing too. Randy asked if the boys and girls would help call out asking Santa to show himself, shouting “Let’s Raise the Roof, shout ‘Santa’ with me!” My health app warned the sounds were louder than 110 db (skill saw) while others covered their ears. Such joy in the air as Santa appeared and gifts were distributed.
Later I talked with Randy. He shared, “Our 95th Christmas Party continues to impact generation upon generation as the annual Boys and Girls Club gateway to the holiday Christmas season. Definitely reaching children needing us the most, we thank our board members, staff and all those in the community who help and support us.” All Boys and Girls Clubs will be open for the holidays from December 19 through December 22, and then again from December 27 through December 29.
As holidays near it’s cold; the need for volunteers grows. Make someone smile, be Santa to another person. Scout Troop 2 and Troop One BSA spent last weekend camping at 25 degrees; thank Jessica and Michael for paying it forward. Help others in need of food at the Food Bank, a local food pantry or with hot food from Meals on Wheels volunteer deliveries. Volunteers serve hot lunches at Faith Mission/Refuge. For opportunities, see Facebook group servewichitafalls.
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