On Saturday, December 9, 2023, the annual St. Thomas Knights of Columbus, Council #13861, Children’s Christmas Party was held. This party assists families in need during the Christmas season.

Funds were raised through the efforts of members who collected donations outside of Shaw’s Supermarket, as well as St. Therese Parish and other various locations. The amount of $2,865.86 was raised to use in providing this event. Expenses included crafts and activities for the children, food (pizza, baked goods, cake and drinks), gifts for each child (valued at $40 or higher) and goodie bags which totaled an additional gift per child.

Registration was required with a time frame of November 1^st thru November 30^th. Parents were required to attend too. When the child arrived, they signed in and were given a number to correspond with the gifts received. They were directed to the tables for coloring and activity sheets.

Food was then distributed with the purchases through Paras Pizza in Sanford. At time of pizza pick up was transferred to a donation from Paras Pizza and John Chandonnet. Happy Birthday was sung to Jesus around a cake donated by Dave Vanesse. Snacks and drinks were provided by donation from Shaw’s Distribution Center in Wells. Other baked goods were donated by Daughters of Isabella and parishioners of St. Therese Parish.

The children sang songs as Santa arrived. Each family in attendance was called by number and came up to receive their presents, and have a picture with Santa, as well as a goodie bag. Approximately 60 children received gifts, with remaining gifts donated to other charities to be distributed to families in need.

The party ran from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the VFW Hall in Sanford, due to the use of the hall as a donation from the VFW.