Diane Corson, occupational therapist, with Alicia Hill and Micaela Gonzalez

Adam & Sophie Herke with Chrissy Nathan, occupational therapist

Debbie Wilson; Alice Hurd, lodge treasurer; Joey Simonelli, PER; Marty Hartrick, PER; Suzi Simonelli, VPAL; Chrissy Nathan, FECTS occupational therapist; and Diane Corson, FECTS occupational therapist.

Once again, Santa and all his incredible helpers at Stuart-Jensen Elks Lodge #1870 brought smiles to local Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services patients during the annual Christmas party Dec. 15. Although the drive-thru party was a new change for this year, the holiday spirit was in full force. In addition to the lodge’s Angel Tree in which lodge members adopt a patient to fulfill their wish list, a local vet’s office joined the cause – the Stuart Sound Animal Hospital with Dr. Chris Steers and his wonderful staff – and conducted a toy drive for the therapy patients as well. With everyone’s involvement, there were enough toys collected for every child as well as their siblings to receive gifts. Besides receiving toys from Santa, the Elk elves were busy in the kitchen cooking a take-home dinner of chicken tenders and fries for every child. There were so many smiling faces as the therapists put the gifts in the cars.