Rahway Elks Special Children’s Christmas Party
Submitted by Kristina Petti, SCC Chair
On Saturday, December 9th, the Rahway Elks’ Special Childrens Committee hosted the annual Christmas Party in the lodge hall. We had over 70 people in attendance with 30 special needs students receiving gifts and siblings receiving goodie bags.
This event was made possible by the fundraising of the lodge and a grant from the Elks National Foundation. Due to the grant, we had to purchase gifts instead of gift cards, as we usually do. Members Doreen Duffy and Kristina Petti, went gift shopping, using the recommendations of the family members who filled out the registration form. Then members, Kristina, Doreen, Karen, Lori, and Robyn held to wrap gifts that following Tuesday. Our members were so integral in the entire process leading up to the party and the day of! At the party we had music by DJ Mike, crafts, games, elves, gifts, santa, food, and ice cream! So much for our kiddos to see and do.
A HUGE shoutout has to go the Mr. John Samsel for donating ice cream for the party from his So Delicious ICe Cream truck! He supplied ice cream for over 80 people in total that day at absolutely no cost to our lodge or the guests of the party! It is community members like him who make such an enormous impact on our kids. The party was a huge hit and so many familiar faces attended! Liam Donovan, the Area 4 ambassador, and his family were in attendance too!
If you are interested in learning more about our organization or becoming a member please visit our website rahwayelks.org and follow us on Facebook: Rahway Elks #1075. To become a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks you must be 21 or over, an American citizen, and believe in God. May God bless all of you during this holiday season!
