Seneca Trail Lodge of FOP to provide gifts for 245 children
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ELKINS -- The Seneca Trail Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police will distribute more gifts at its upcoming annual Christmas Party than ever before.
FOP Seneca Trail Treasurer Brian Kilgore told The Inter-Mountain Wednesday that this year's fundraising for the event exceeded expectations, which will lead to more underprivileged children in the area receiving gifts.
"The community support in our area has been wonderful this year," Kilgore said. "Because of that we have 245 kids coming to our Christmas Party this year, which is by far the most we have ever had."
Kilgore recalled that the FOP spent $18,000 on gifts and toys for the party last year, and hosted 150 children.
"Until this year, last year was the most kids we ever invited to the party," Kilgore noted. "We have increased that by 90 children this year, which makes us very, very happy."
Because more than $30,000 was raised for this year's Christmas Party campaign, Kilgore said the FOP was able to help the community in a different way as well.
"We have also kind of branched out and we have 20 families that we are going to be able to provide Christmas dinner for this year," he said.
"These are not the families that are coming to the party, they are different ones that we located in the community. It's kind of a new thing, but because we had the funds and the ability to do it, we decided to see how it would go," Kilgore said.
Children from Randolph, Barbour, Tucker, Pocahontas, Pendleton and Grant counties are selected to attend the party. Along with receiving a gift of their choice at the event, children will be treated to bounce houses, elves, live music, snacks, and a visit from both the Grinch and Santa Claus.
"We couldn't do all that we do without all of our donors and supporters," Kilgore said. "Everything has been great and it was fantastic that we didn't have to turn any children away this year and were able to add more.
"Last year's party was good, but I think this year is going to be better."
The event will mark the 31st straight year that the FOP Seneca Trail Lodge has hosted the Christmas Party.
For more information on how to make a donation to the event, email FOP104@yahoo.com.