Manasota Lodge hosted its annual children’s Breakfast with Santa Dec. 17, funded by the lodge’s Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant and lodge contributions. The event helped 38 children and 17 families from Abel Elementary School and Bayshore Elementary School, both Title 1 schools. Upon arrival, children and guardians were served breakfast. Soon after, everyone went outside and anxiously waited for Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive by fire truck with a siren blaring. Once inside, Santa and Mrs. Claus called each child’s name and gave them wrapped gifts with an outfit of clothing and a toy. Each family was given a food box that contained a toiletry bag for each child and a $10 McDonald’s gift card, a $25 gift certificate to Publix or Winn-Dixie, and nonperishable food items. Jan “Spike” Klocke headed up this party, Shawn Wheaton shopped for all the children’s outfits, Art Waldron and his crew cooked breakfast, and numerous volunteers helped in other ways. Leftover toys were donated to Bayshore Elementary School’s Winter Wonderland children’s event with Santa.

Pictured are guests waiting for Santa; children receiving gifts from Santa and Mrs. Claus; and Santa and Mrs. Claus (members Jack Shutts and Mickie Beck) with Cedar Hammock Fire Station firefighters.