On Friday Dec. 6, Marlowe Middle School was transformed to a Christmas wonderland. White lights and snowflakes hung beautifully across the ceiling of the cafeteria with a fake fireplace, and a red velvet chair sat at the end of the room. Around 5: 15 p.m., volunteers from all across District 158, including school staff and board administrators, arrived excited to help, and dressed up like Santa’s little helpers. Raffle Baskets were set up, the tables were set, and volunteers placed salads out on tables for everyone attending.
At 6:15 p.m. the families began to enter the school, and kids ran about playing happily. The atmosphere was festive and bright, as a jazz band played popular Christmas songs.
After much anticipation, dinner began. Everyone was served from a pasta bar, and kids were allowed to color holiday pictures while they ate. Holiday characters such as Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Buddy the Elf, and Frosty the Snowman went from table to table greeting children while they ate. Following the dinner, children got to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas.
This is the third year that the Dinner with Santa has occurred and the sixth year of the Breakfast with Santa.
The Dinner with Santa, along with the Breakfast with Santa, is coordinated by Nicki Burkey, wife of Superintendent Dr. John Burkey. The breakfast and dinner are community fundraisers for the District 158 Education Foundation. The foundation raises money for high school senior scholarships and teacher grants.
Another part of the fundraiser included raffle baskets of various holiday prizes, which also give money to the District 158 Education Foundation.
“I love being with the little kids,” said Laurie Woods, executive secretary for the District 158 Education Foundation. Burkey, along with Woods, coordinated the event to raise money for the district. Every year they asks for volunteers all over the district and the community to assist in the charity event.
“The best part about it is that it brings everyone together,” said Burkey.