As part of The American Legion Round Lake Post 1170 Children and Youth Program, the post held their annual Christmas Party for the children and grandchildren of members of the post on Sunday, December 10, 2023.
Officers of The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1170 and officers of the Post were on hand to enjoy the festivities and help out where they could. Auxiliary President Lauren Roberts rallied members of her unit to shop for and wrap the gifts for all the kids, as well as purchase, prepare and serve the food. Refreshments were served by Post Jr. Vice Commander Lenny Knapcik and Post Chaplain Rev. John Roberts.
Additionally, Auxiliary Officers Debbie Knapcik (Second Vice President), Tina DeRose (Treasurer), Tina’s daughter Faith and Auxiliary President’s daughter-in-law Barb Roberts ran the crafting portion of the afternoon. Kids made marshmallow snowmen, strung beads into bracelets and necklaces and colored Christmas scenes. Everyone went away with a hand-made token of the event thanks to the patience and creativity of the volunteers.
According to Post Commander Stephen L. Risley, “The Post is most grateful for the continued support of our Auxiliary Unit. Without their help, we just could not get everything done. They are a partner in the truest sense of the word.”
According to Auxiliary Unit President Lauren Roberts, “This year, we purchased presents for 30 children and there are several people who were instrumental in making it fun. First, I would like to thank Santa for his visit. We all appreciated his time. I would like to thank the parents and grandparents for bringing the kids to our event. To my Unit officers and other volunteers, you make it possible for our Unit and Post to bring this event to our kids. Thank you for all your help and continued support.”
Santa (Christopher Feye) stopped in to visit and listened to wishes from children of all ages, “from 2 to 92,” and gave a present to all the children at the event.
To assist Santa with all his duties was “The Elfster” (Auxiliary Unit 1170 First Vice President Kendra Smith). At the end of the event, Elf Kendra posed with her family and Santa.
Roberts said, “A wonderful time was had by all!” The amount of work required and time commitment necessary to perform all the above-mentioned tasks as well as decorate the Post Christmas tree and put up lights to “make the magic happen,” is considerable. It takes special people to do it.
