Children were lined up around three rooms of the American Legion to see Santa and pick out a gift to take home. The excitement grew as bells were heard and the door opened and there he was.
(Judy Debus/Journal-Advocate)
Children treated to gifts from Santa
By Judy Debus Journal-Advocate regional editor
Posted: 12/13/2010 11:50:48 AM MST
Children were lined up around three rooms of the American Legion to see Santa and pick out a gift to take home. The excitement grew as bells were heard and the door opened and there he was. (Judy Debus/Journal-Advocate) |
Dressed and waiting to see Santa at the American Legion Children's Christmas Party was Jamison Stewart who even donned his reindeer boots! The line to see Santa was long and according to American Legion members, there were twice as many guests this year as last. (Judy Debus/Journal-Advocate) |
STERLING
-- There was a line out the door and all the chairs were filled when the scheduled time arrived for the annual American Legion Christmas Party for Children to start. This is the third year the party has been hosted and was by far the largest number of people attending. According to members of the American Legion Riders, who sponsor the event each year, their estimated count was about 250 kids and they fed around 600 people altogether. Funds to host the party each year come from the Riders` annual "Veronica`s Legacy Poker Run," and other fundraising events held throughout the year. Although food started to get short, a quick run for groceries guaranteed everyone got to eat the menu that was designed especially for kids. It included corn dogs, hotdogs, chips and a Christmas cupcake with punch to drink. After dinner, the children formed a line to get to talk to Santa and then choose a gift of their own to take home. There were also rides in Santa`s decorated firetruck. The American Legion Riders has 45 members and most were very busy on Saturday night keeping food trays full, helping direct the lines for Santa and for the firetruck ride. As one said, "All this is made worthwhile when we see the smiles on these kid`s faces.Judy Debus: (970) 526-9281; jdebus@journal-advocate.com
Dinner for the American Legion annual Children's Christmas Party on Saturday night was a menu designed for kids. Soldado Gamez tried the Santa Cupcake before getting into the hotdog, chips and mac and cheese. (Judy Debus/Journal-Advocate) |
