VFW helps children in need have a merrier Christmas

Dozens of local children are having a merrier Christmas, thanks to the The Palma Sola VFW.

Santa showed up for the VFW 10141 Auxiliary’s second annual Children’s Christmas Party, and 51 children whose families could use some holiday help were treated to toys and cheer.

“It’s all about the kids to begin with. I don’t care where the kids come from or what religion they are, it’s just to watch them come up and see Santa,” Kathy Zuckerman, senior vice president of the auxiliary club.

The children were invited attend through the Christ Chapel Homeless Ministry.

Organizers made all the children wait until after they had visited with Santa and received their presents before they were allowed to open them — all at once, Zuckerman said.

“And talk about total chaos when they opened their presents,” Zuckerman said, smiling.

It took the club nearly three months to prepare for Saturday’s lunch with Santa and gather more than $5,000 in gifts that were distributed.

Children received at least two toys from their wish lists from the angel tree in addition to one new outfit. The club also came together and purchased backpacks, blankets, toothpaste and toothbrushes for the children, since many of their families are homeless, Zuckerman said.

Some post members got into the Christmas shopping, while others just donated money for organizers to purchase the gifts, she said.

The children feasted on hot dogs and macaroni and cheese, leaving with full bellies.

“Each kid went home with at least a dozen cookies,” Zuckerman added, saying that many of the club members helped with the baking to make sure each child could take some home.

This story was originally published December 10, 2016 at 6:35 PM with the headline "VFW helps children in need have a merrier Christmas."