DURYEA – The Duryea Lions held a special evening for children on Dec. 4 when Santa Claus arrived at the Germania Hose Co. Hall and the club gave away 12 bicycles at the end of the evening.
Over 60 children, along with parents, grandparents and/or guardians, were treated to pizza, hot dogs and soft drinks while waiting for Santa’s arrival.
The event was free to all who attended and children were given a ticket for a chance to win a bicycle. The bicycle give-away was courtesy of the Lions Club through donations.
“This is something the Duryea Lions has been doing for numerous years for the kids of Duryea, free of charge,” said Ron Ralston, Duryea Lions second vice president. “We chance off 12 bikes, girls and boys, and when Santa comes, we give each child a stocking full of candy.”
Ten-year-old Anthony Lydon was attending his very first Lions Club holiday event with his grandmother Nancy Nawrocki and his aunt Tiffany Nawrocki.
“I’m hoping the blue bike will be mine,” Lydon said as he turned and pointed to one of the bicycles.
Lydon was looking forward to having a word with Santa upon his arrival. “I’m going to ask him for a Ninetendo Switch Lite,” he said excitedly.
Megan Bartuska, of Hughestown, brought her two daughters to visit with Santa Claus. Eight-year old Sophia was making a return trip to the Duryea Lions Christmas, while 6-month-old Scarlett made her first trip.
“I like coming back because it’s great for the kids. It’s fun; it’s very family oriented – the kids have a blast,” Bartuska said. “Last year my daughter won one of the bikes; she had so much fun.”
“The Lions Club organization is good to the whole community,” Ralston added. “We are involved helping many organizations throughout Greater Pittston.”
After bike giveaway, Santa boarded a Duryea fire truck and paraded through the borough delivering more Christmas stockings, according to Ralston. The club handed out over 250 stockings containing more than $1,000 in candy.
