Presented by PROTOCOL and coordinated by Molly English, an outpouring of about 15 volunteers from 17Strong, the City of Hamilton and CM Personnel Services have come together to put on the event. Gifts are provided by Toys for Tots and CM Personnel Services. Hats, mittens and gloves will also be handed out.
Tano Bistro is donating cookies for the kids.
English said she “stepped up to the plate” last year because she wanted to see the event continue.
“We really want to do this for the kids, and I’m doing it because I have a heart for the kids. I absolutely love people, and I love kids in general. I just couldn’t see it stopping,” English said. “We’re all volunteers, and we put our hearts into it, so we can make it the best event possible for the kids.”
Joy to the Wald is a longstanding event that will run from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 14 at Linden Elementary, 801 Hoadley Ave. The event is free to attend and open to all. It is recommended for children ages 12 and younger
Kids can have a photo taken with Santa, and they will receive a framed photo. While kids are waiting to visit with Santa, there will be activities, including games and face-painting.
“The kids come in, and they see Santa, and their eyes absolutely light up,” English said. “It’s neat to see the kids get excited, be happy, receive a gift, and of course, meet Santa,” English said.
Last year, there were 10 tables with gifts, and each child gets to go through and pick out a gift. On the way out, kids receive hats, gloves, juice boxes or water (donated by the city) and a cookie.
“Giving back to the community benefits us more than we know, and there are always people in need, and I strongly believe you get it back a hundred times,” said English.
The event was started by Debbie Doerflein of Heaven Sent about 25 years ago. Children that attend will enjoy cookies, receive a gift, and get a picture taken with Santa. More than 200 people attended the event last year.
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