Manasota Elks Lodge #2734 had its annual children’s Christmas party and breakfast with Santa Dec. 14. The Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant and lodge contributions were used to fund the event and gifts. A total of 80 children and their families from Abel Elementary School, Bayshore Elementary School and CES Academy of Bradenton, all Title 1 schools, attended the party. Upon arrival, the children and parents and guardians were served a breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon and tater tots. They also had their choice of orange juice, milk, and hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows. Soon after breakfast, they received notice that Santa was on his way to the lodge so everyone went outside and anxiously waited for Santa. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived by fire truck with its siren blaring. Inside the lodge, Elf Faith and Santa and Mrs. Claus called each child’s name and gave them wrapped gifts with an outfit of clothing and a toy. Each family was given a food box that contained everything for Christmas dinner and a gift certificate for meat. Jan “Spike” Klocke planned and organized the party, Shawn Wheaton shopped for all the outfits, and Roger Waldron and his crew cooked breakfast.
Pictured are Candy Claus (Bonnie Livermore), Elf (Faith Bowen), Santa (Kyle Bruce), Jan “Spike” Klocke, and Mrs Claus (Mickie Beck).
Also pictured are Dawn Leduc, Aileen Mirabito and Audra Sparacino-DeRosa serving breakfast.
Also pictured are first responders from Cedar Hammock Fire Station 4 with Mrs. Claus and Santa.