Santa Claus gets a big hug from a fan at Sunday's Christmas Party hosted by the Rotarians.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The question was expected, the answer even more so from the roomful of children at American Legion Post 125 on Sunday.
"Has everybody been good?" asked Mrs. Claus.
"YES!" came the resounding reply.
And the magic that is seeing Santa up close was apparent on the faces of children who mobbed the Clauses moments later.
The North Adams and Williamstown Rotary Clubs teamed up Sunday to bring some Christmas cheer to 60 area children and their families at their annual Children's Holiday Party. The Rotaries, assisted by local businesses, raised funds and other donations to purchase coats and toys for the kids — and offer a pizza party with cookies to boot.
North Adams Rotary Club President Toby Potterton estimated that 25 Rotarians from North Adams and Williamstown were on hand to make the party a reality. The event has been a staple of the Rotary Club in North Adams since 1999, according to Treasurer Joanne DeRose, who launched it and continues to play a major role.
"We get lots of support from the business community. We partner with Macy's, for instance," she said. "We go on a prearranged day to buy coats for all the children and they have staff to help us out."
Besides coats and toys, the children left with handmade hats and mittens, knitted by Joan Morandi and a friend, according to past president Marc Morandi. There were also stockings with candy and small toys for each child. The Northern Berkshire YMCA gave each a temporary youth membership as well.
Rotarians led the kids in singing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and "Jingle Bells" before ushering in Santa and Mrs. Claus with "Here Comes Santa Claus." Santa and the missus, apparently accustomed to this kind of reception, hugged children and gave them high-fives along with wishes for a Merry Christmas.
The Rotary had help from the Family Place (a program of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition) to connect with families and learn their children's needs and desires when it came to new coats and toys.
"It's a good day," said Potterton with a smile.
The event was supported through donations from Adams Community Bank, Angelina's Sub Shop, Beck's Printing Co., Martin K. Bush DDS, Carolyn's Tax Services, Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Little's Pharmacy, McDonald's, MountainOne, National Grid, North Adams Commons, Petri Contracting, Smith, Watson & Co., TGL Photoworks and West Oil Co.
Rotary International has existed since 1905, and its clubs across the world "work to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world." The Rotary Club of North Adams was admitted to Rotary International in 1921.
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