By Jamie Musick

MEADVILLE TRIBUNE

Twenty-three-year-old Carol Hutchinson’s eyes lit up when asked about the annual Jimmy Moore Christmas Party. As a young child, Hutchinson recalls the joy of seeing Santa Claus and taking in the festive atmosphere of the event — one that drew her back year after year. But perhaps her greatest joy is now seeing the look on the faces of her 3-year-old son and infant daughter as they experience their first Jimmy Moore party.

“I like that they have a show for the kids and they get to see Santa,” said Hutchinson of Meadville. “It gives us something to be excited for.”

The Sertoma Club registers children in advance for the Christmas party held at the Meadville Area Senior High School. Children through age 12 whose parents qualify for the state Access card are eligible. Sertoma also accepts recommendations from those who know a family facing financial difficulties.

Jack Thompson, Sertoma Club president, said that between 450 and 500 children attended the annual event Saturday. He said that roughly $15,000 to $16,000 was raised for the party, along with several donations from the community.

“The people have been very generous,” Thompson said. “We’re very thankful for the donators of the hats and gloves.”

Each of the kids and their parents or guardians receive a lunch donated by Burger King and the Coca-Cola Co. in the high school’s cafeteria. Afterwards, the kids were entertained by dancers from Kristine’s School of Dance, a ventriloquist, clowns, the 2007 Miss Crawford County, Shauna Rice, and, of course, Santa Claus.

After Santa’s arrival, the children anxiously line up to receive wrapped gifts, ranging from dolls and toy trains to stuffed animals and jewelry boxes plus they received a hat, scarf, mittens and a bag of candy and fruit.

“I liked the dancers,” said Hutchinson. “It gives the kids something fun to do.”

The Meadville Sertoma Club, which includes 50 members, has several fundraisers year-round to support the Jimmy Moore Christmas party and several other community events.

Sertoma is an international service organization with its name derived from the slogan “Service to Mankind.” It has approximately 20,000 members in more than 650 clubs in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico.

Jamie Musick can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at jmusick@meadvilletribune.com.