Enthusiasm and merriment filled the air as dozens of children piled off a school bus and flooded the cafeteria at Auburn Adventist Academy in mid-December 2009.
For the sixth consecutive year, AAA students hosted a Christmas party for underprivileged children. Considered one of the best Associated Student Body activities of the year, more than 75 academy students signed up to participate.
"I'll never forget seeing the little kids so excited about Santa," says Sean Leanhoff, a senior from Auburn, Wash. "When they saw the gifts and realized that they were for them, the kids were overjoyed."
In an effort to make a personal impact in the community, 40 children from underprivileged homes were invited to attend the celebration. Cookie decorating, coloring, playing "Pin the Nose on Rudolf," and sitting on Santa's knee were just a few of the festivities planned for them.
"Eighty percent of the kids' parents are unemployed," says John Spano, ASB sponsor and event coordinator. "For most of the children who attended, the gifts that our students gave were the only presents they would receive this Christmas."
As Auburn students celebrated the holiday season, they were reminded of why the gift of giving is so precious. "Throwing a party for these kids was special," says Marissa Masden, a senior from Kent, Wash. "We were giving them a Christmas they might not otherwise have received."
Auburn students Emily Fletcher and Jonathan Simons have fun decorating cookies with their sponsored child. (Kyle Bahnsen)
Auburn student Larrinda Campbell enjoys frosting cookies with her sponsored child, Kevin.
Auburn student Ting Sue bonds with Deigo, a sponsored child, while icing Christmas cookies.
