The Burney Lions Club hosted their annual party for residents with special needs on Tuesday December 13. The festivities began with a delicious spaghetti banquet at 11:30 a.m.
A very convivial gathering
Then, just after noon, Santa arrived to present each special needs person with a beautifully wrapped gift with their name on it.
A very happy young lady
The Burney Lions have been holding this Christmas season event for over 25 years. This year Lion Jim Lane was the chairman of the committee that organized the event. Jim and his wife Barbara spent more than a month selecting and buying presents for 46 different individuals with special needs.
Jimmy brought a lot of joy to the occasion
Altogether, 62 spaghetti dinners were served to special needs guests and their family members and caregivers. Some were not able to attend but care providers will make sure that they receive their gifts.
Santa shares Christmas cheer with Nancy
Barbara Lane pulled the gifts out from under the tree and called the names. Lioness Elf Ann Wilburn assisted Santa as he joyfully interacted with each person who received a present.
Santa gets a hug
To raise money for the gifts, the Lions collected plastic and aluminum cans throughout the year. Funds were also supplemented by cash donations from the community.
Sandy radiated Christmas cheer
After the gifts were given out, many of the celebrants came up to have their photo taken with Santa.
Group shot with Santa
The meal was prepared by Ron Edwards with the help of Kurt Taylor, Richard Arndt and George Whitfield. In addition to spaghetti, a delicious acorn squash was also served. This is a decades long tradition. Whatever the main course, each year acorn squash is part of the meal. For dessert, there was cookies and cupcakes and chocolates. Lions, including Walt Libal, and Lioness elves, including Joan Hawthorne, helped to serve the meal.
As the event finished, the Lions and Lionesses also joined Santa for a group photo.
Lions and Lionesses Ron Edwards, Jim Lane, Richard Arndt, Kurt Taylor, Barbara Lane, Walt and Lorraine Libal, Michelle Mancuso, and Ann Wilburn, together with Santa
Jim Lane and Larry Hawthorne said, “This is part of our job to show our love in service to the community. There are a lot of children and adults in our community with special needs. The least we can do is throw them a Christmas party.”
Barbara Lane said, “This event makes my year!”
Joy to the World!
Pit River Country 