DURYEA — Holiday spirit filled the air in the Germania Hose Co. building Dec. 5 as the Duryea Lions Club hosted its annual children’s Christmas party. Dozens of children, along with their families, packed the hall, shared food and socialized with neighbors.
Upon arriving to the party, which was open to area children 10 years of age or younger, each child was entered into a drawing to win a bicycle, with winners being selected at the end of the night. Guests were then welcomed to eat food prepared by the Lions Club as they eagerly awaited the night’s guest of honor, Santa Claus.
Duryea Lions Club Second Vice President Ron Ralston believes the Christmas party is an important tradition to uphold.
“It’s something the Lions club has been doing for over 60 years,” he said. “The Lions club is a proud sponsor of children’s programs in the community.”
Pennsylvania State Representative Mike Carroll, who volunteered to greet guests and enter children into the bike raffle, was happy to see people come together with such a positive energy.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to share in some holiday spirit,” Carroll said.
Caroline Tibel, of Duryea, brings her sons Stephen, 9 and Christopher, 7, and her nephew Liam, 7, to the party every year for the sense of community.
“We all get together and they do a really great job for the kids,” Tibel said. “And Santa,” Stephen added.
After all the food was enjoyed, Santa arrived to hear the wishes of each child in attendance.
Chelsea Zongilla, of Duryea, has been bringing her son, Damian, 7, to the party every year since he was 2 years old. “It’s good the community does stuff like this; it really brings everyone together,” she said.
What did Damian ask Santa for that night? “I asked him for a Lionel train, a crane and some push engines,” he said.
