Organizers of the American Legion “Needy Kids Christmas Party” are nearing the final stages of planning for this year’s event and have started thanking sponsors for their support.

American Legion Post 25 thanked Jeff Detty for donating 300 hot dogs to the American Legion Needy Kids Christmas Party and sponsoring a toy donation box located at Detty’s Market, his Jeffersonville store.

The Needy Kids Christmas party was started by Dr. Pfersick in 1954 to give economically disadvantaged children, ages 5-7, in Fayette County, a magical Christmas experience. Hosted by American Legion Post 25, this time-honored tradition will celebrate 62 years of existence on Dec. 14.

“I think it is important to continue this tradition because it shows the schools and community that children are important,” Elaine Stalsworth, American Legion chairperson of the Needy Kids Christmas Party, a past Commander and Past 1st Vice, 2nd Vice, and Executive Board Member, said. “I have many grown-ups come to me and tell me they also went to this party when they were young. They tell me how much fun they had and how the positive experience enriched their life.”

Other toy donation boxes will be located in Washington C.H. at Nationwide Insurance, 205 S. Main St.; The Sears Store, 1572 State Rte 22 NW, and American Legion Post 25, 1240 State Route 22 NW. Monetary donations can be sent to the American Legion Christmas Fund, 1240 US Highway 22 NW, Washington Courthouse, OH, 43160.

“We also supply the funds during this time to give 75 needy children from each elementary school a $20 voucher from the Fayette County Health Department,” Stalsworth said. “It can only be used for clothes, coats, boots, shoes, socks, hats, and such. The parent presents the voucher at Walmart and the American Legion receives the receipts for accountability purposes. The more money that is donated, the more $20 vouchers it allows the American Legion to purchase. These will then be given to the Fayette County Health Department for elementary school children, whose families are struggling, in our community.”

Elaine Stalsworth contributed to this article.

Members of the American Legion Post 25 were on hand recently to thank Detty’s Market for donating to the American Legion Needy Kids Christmas Party and sponsoring a toy donation box at the market. Pictured (L to R): Jackie Penwell, American Legion Post 25 Past Ladies Auxiliary President; Elaine Stalsworth, chairperson of the needy kids Christmas party; and Jeff Detty, owner of Detty’s Market.

http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2016/11/web1_NeedyChristmas2016.jpgMembers of the American Legion Post 25 were on hand recently to thank Detty’s Market for donating to the American Legion Needy Kids Christmas Party and sponsoring a toy donation box at the market. Pictured (L to R): Jackie Penwell, American Legion Post 25 Past Ladies Auxiliary President; Elaine Stalsworth, chairperson of the needy kids Christmas party; and Jeff Detty, owner of Detty’s Market.