The Burney Lions Club held a Christmas party for special needs residents from the Intermountain area on Tuesday, December 19 at the Burney Lions Hall.
A very special Christmas party
At 11:30 a.m. a delicious lunch of meatloaf, squash, and potatoes was served to all of the special needs guests, their families and caretakers. The meal was prepared by Lions cooks and served by Lions members.
After the meal, Santa arrived and went from table to table greeting every person present.
Sharing a moment of Christmas cheer
Santa visits with Superman Jimmy
Then Santa seated himself in front of the stage and delivered presents. Every special needs person had a chance to meet Santa and receive a present that had been purchased specifically for them. Many were delighted to sit on Santa’s lap.
A hug and a gift from Santa
Christmas cheer
After all of the gifts had been given out there were cupcakes for all.
The Burney Lions have been holding this Christmas season event for over 25 years. The project is conducted in coordination with Far Northern Regional Center and Shascade Community Services.
Lion Jim Lane was the chairman of the committee that organized this year’s program. His wife Barbara assisted in organizing as well as selecting and buying the presents for more than forty people.
Lion Jim Lane and Barbara Lane
The hall was decorated by the Lions Auxiliary. Barbara Lane provided the tree and Kathy Lehman provided reindeer and a Christmas train. Lady elves from the Lions Auxiliary also assisted Santa as he greeted people and delivered gifts.
Joanne Hawthorne, Laura Pauley, Lois White, Barbara Lane, Kathy Lehman, and Lois Cummings
Lion Jim said, “We feel that this is our best project and we are honored to do it. It has been very enlightening. The special needs people really appreciate it.”
Pit River Country 