Kissimmee Elks Lodge #1873 hosted over 300 children who are in foster care along with their families at the Christmas carnival Dec. 8. This was the third year for the event which was made possible from Elks National Foundation grants. Organizing the event was Community Based Care and their agencies. This was a community affair with volunteers from various agencies including 50 Elks.
Activities included pictures with Mr. & Mrs. Claus (Charles and Lorraine Barker), ornament-making, a hula hoop contest, family photos, packaging s’mores and a bounce house. The sheriff brought a police canine and the fire department had a truck on display. Music was provided all day and hot dogs, hamburgers, and sides were available.
As the families entered the lodge, the children were directed to activities while parents had choices of age-appropriate gifts for the children. Personal shoppers were available to find the perfect gifts and Santa’s helpers were available to wrap and keep the presents a surprise.