Providing a ‘magical’ experience

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The American Legion Post 25 Needy Kids Christmas Party in Washington C.H. is continuing to look for community support as they attempt to help the county’s youth.

According to the American Legion, the Needy Kids Christmas Party was started by Dr. Pfersick in 1954 to give economically disadvantaged children from 5 to 7-years-old, in Fayette County, a “magical” Christmas experience. Hosted by the American Legion and supported by donations from individuals in the community and local businesses, the time-honored tradition celebrates 61 years on Wednesday, Dec. 16.

The multitude of supporters includes two local businesses: Detty’s Supermarket, which is donating 300 hot dogs and placing a toy donation box at its location and Jennarations Hair and Nail Design, which is also placing a donation box at its business. These are just two of the many supporters for the event.

“We are still looking for some support for the party and future parties,” Mike Fenton, chairman of the house committee at the American Legion, said. “We are hosting 300 kids this year from the local schools. The teachers and counselors at the local schools recommend the kids and we bus them in. We feed them a lunch, normally hot dogs, chips, juice and some ice cream for dessert, and entertain them for awhile. Last year we had a magician. The kids also get to come and sit on Santa’s lap, talk with him for a short moment and pick out a present.”

The American Legion in past years has given the kids hats and gloves in addition to a toy. Thanks to supporters around the county, the American Legion is able to serve hundreds of kids on a small budget, but according to Fenton, they are cutting it close this year.

Donations for the event can be sent to: The Needy Christmas Fund, American Legion Post 25, 1240 U.S. Highway 22 NW in Washington Court House. For more information about the party, contact the American Legion at (740) 335-4990.

“Most donations were made by individuals and were for less then $100,” Fenton said. “We are a 501c3 charity so any donations are tax exempt. All donations are appreciated.”

Jeff Detty, of Detty’s Supermarket in Jeffersonville, donated hot dogs and has placed a box at his business to accept toy donations.
http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2015/12/web1_NeedyKidsChristmas1.jpgJeff Detty, of Detty’s Supermarket in Jeffersonville, donated hot dogs and has placed a box at his business to accept toy donations.

Jennarations Hair and Nail Design in Washington C.H. placed a box at their business to accept toy donations.
http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2015/12/web1_NeedyKidsChristmas2.jpgJennarations Hair and Nail Design in Washington C.H. placed a box at their business to accept toy donations.

The American Legion Post 25 Needy Kids Christmas Party celebrates 61 years on Wednesday, Dec. 16 as they host children from around the county to serve them lunch and more. Pictured here is a photo from last year’s event.
http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2015/12/web1_NeedyKidsChristmas3.jpgThe American Legion Post 25 Needy Kids Christmas Party celebrates 61 years on Wednesday, Dec. 16 as they host children from around the county to serve them lunch and more. Pictured here is a photo from last year’s event.
American Legion to host annual Needy Kids Christmas party

By Martin Graham

[email protected]

Reach Martin Graham at (740) 313-0351 or on Twitter @MartiTheNewsGuy

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