FOP Christmas Party provides holiday gifts to more than 200 kids
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ELKINS -- The local lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police brought joy to more than 200 children during its annual Christmas Party at the Phil Gainer Community Center Saturday.
For the past 30 years, the Seneca Trail Lodge No. 104 has gone above and beyond to put together the annual party for less fortunate children hailing from Randolph, Barbour, Tucker, Pocahontas, Pendleton and Grant counties.
Over the weekend, the organization brought smiles to local children's faces by providing them with a gift of their choice.
"Everything went extremely well at this year's event," FOP Seneca Trail Treasurer Brian Kilgore told The Inter-Mountain. "It was fantastic and all the kids had a really good time. We distributed all the toys and donated any extra toys we had to Toys for Tots."
The organization was able to raise a record amount of money this holiday season, which led to it being able to invite more children to the Christmas Party. In 2022 the FOP spent $18,000 for gifts, while this year that total exceeded the $30,000 mark.
"We are blessed that we have such great communities," Kilgore said. "I hope we met the expectations of all of our donors. We had a great time and all of the children had a great time. It was a lot of work, but all those smiling faces at the party made it worthwhile."
Kilgore said all but seven of the children who were on the list of 249 attended the event. The ones missing were sick, and had their parents come and collect their gifts at the party.
"We called all the parents on our list and allowed the children to pick the Christmas gifts they wanted," Kilgore said. "We spent anywhere between $90 to $110 per child. But if there was a child who picked out a certain item that was a little more, we would go ahead and do that for them."
Beside receiving a gift of their choice at the party, children were also treated to bounce houses, elves, music, snacks, and a visit from the Grinch, Santa Claus, and the Abominable Snowman from the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer TV special. Randolph County Sheriff Rob Elbon was dressed in the Snowman costume during the event.
"It was pretty hot in the costume, but it was well worth it, seeing all the happiness from the children," said Elbon. "I really enjoyed doing it, and to see the look on the kids' faces when I was looking out of the mask at them was priceless. Just seeing the smiles on their faces was awesome. It was a lot of fun."
Sheetz donated hot chocolate for the party, while Byrd's House of Donuts (donuts), Subway (cookies), Walmart (cupcakes), and Little Debbie (cakes) also provided snacks for the children.
Kilgore said the party wouldn't be possible without the hard work of everyone in the FOP organization.
"We had a good turnout from the members of our organization, and many of them brought their family members along with them to help with the party," Kilgore said. "It was a great success and a good time for everyone involved.
"I think last year was good, but I think this year was a little better, because we had more children and more activities. I look forward to next year's event being superb."
For more information about the organization or to make a donation, email FOP104@yahoo.com.