Lee Erwin Reporting
lerwin@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Kiwanis Club of Clarksville held its annual Children’s Christmas Party for children with the Head Start Program, Tuesday, December 9 at First Baptist Church. Just over 100 youngsters enjoyed snacks, opening Christmas presents, and of course visiting with Santa Claus.
Steve Wilson, President of the Kiwanis Club said this was about the 25th year for the organization’s party. “It’s a tradition that we love. It’s an opportunity for us to not just raise money and give a big check to an organization, it’s an opportunity for us to see where our efforts and our fundraising goes,” Wilson said.
The children were from two Head Start classes in Clarksville and each child received about nine toys. During the party, Kiwanis Club members stepped back into their own childhood for a while as they helped the kids open their gifts and many also played with the children after their gifts were open.
Wilson said the Hilldale Kiwanis Club in Clarksville supported the event and helped with wrapping the close to 1,000 toys. Other groups helping out included Key Club students from Clarksville Academy as well as Clarksville, Rossview and Northeast High Schools.