The American Legion Post #12 in Frankfort hosted a Christmas party on Sunday to bring Christmas cheer to the children of Clinton County.
Almost 50 children and their families gathered at the American Legion over the weekend to experience the magic of the Christmas season and bond with fellow community members as they played games, received presents, completed crafts and dined together. Pam Hodges, an Auxiliary member and organizer of the Christmas party, commented that she approached the committee at the American Legion with the idea to treat the children of the organization to an afternoon filled with joy, smiles and cheer, which was swiftly approved. After fundraising efforts, the event soared toward its goal of establishing new Christmas memories for its members.
“I did some fundraiser things to raise some money for gifts and toys,” Hodges said. “The Legionnaires gave me $500 for toys, and the Sons donated $500 to buy Christmas gifts from Santa.”
The children in attendance received tailored gifts from Santa and Mrs. Claus throughout the afternoon, manifesting smiles upon the faces of every child in attendance. Hodges commented that the gifts were selected specifically for every child with the aid of the members, who submitted ideas that Hodges utilized to ensure that the children received a gift worthy of a smile.
The children were also encouraged to participate in numerous games scattered around the second floor of the American Legion, including “pin the nose on the reindeer,” a duck pond, a ring toss, a beanbag toss and a snowball toss. After competing against themselves or their friends, the participants were encouraged to select a prize at each station as well as a game from a large selection.
“We got some little trinket toys that we put in buckets so that they could pick up toys there,” Hodges said. “Then they were still able to get a game off the table.”
Hodges expressed that this year’s Christmas party proved successful as the attendance numbers soared above the expectations of the members, and she stated that numerous members have already begun to request ideas and insight into next year’s event.
“It was fantastic,” Hodges said. “I thought I counted about 43 kids on the list, and it looked like we had around 46. It was great. I was so happy that we had more kids than I thought, and they were all excited. They already asked me what my plans are for next year, and I haven’t even gotten that far yet.”
Hodges commented that the party received accolades from the visitors as well as other members of the American Legion, and the decorations, games and venue created an atmosphere that harnessed the magic of Christmas. Appreciation for the event extended beyond the party, which further highlighted the dedication and creativity exercised by Hodges.
“I got a lot of compliments,” Hodges said. “We have a party that rented the upstairs for (Friday) night, and they asked me to leave all the tablecloths and the blow ups that we had out. They wanted them for their party (Friday) night. It turned out fantastic.”
Hodges expressed that her work with the American Legion and the Auxiliary reflects her appreciation and dedication to the veterans in Clinton County, and she expressed her gratitude toward the American Legion members for allowing her to organize an event that created lasting Christmas memories for almost 50 children in the county.
“I am all about my veterans, and I can’t thank the American Legion enough for helping me put this on and let me use the upstairs for nothing,” Hodges said. “I cannot thank them enough for that.”
Hodges encouraged community members to explore the American Legion and its offerings for the community, stating that the organization provides an enjoyable atmosphere for children and adults through its welcoming venues and events.
“I’d just like to get some new members in there,” Hodges said. “I want all of them to just join in and have fun with us and just jump in there and help out and do whatever we have plans to do.”
The American Legion Post #12 is located at 451 W. Clinton St. in Frankfort.