Santa Claus was also on hand for children to visit and take photos with at the event, which also featured snacks, bouncy houses, games, crafts, music, elves, and an appearance by the Grinch.

“We have a lot of people who come together every year and make this party possible,” said FOP Seneca Trail Treasurer Brian Kilgore. “All the work is well worth it when you see all of the kids come out to the party, get their gifts, and have such a great time. It’s great to see so many happy faces.” 

For the past 32 years Seneca Trail Lodge No. 104 has held the party, which provides children Randolph, Barbour, Tucker, Pocahontas, Pendleton and Grant counties with a gift of their choice.

“We spend roughly $125 on each child and they get to choose whatever gift they want for Christmas,” Kilgore said. “We call each parent of the kids on our list and find out what gift the kids want.”

Two young children make their way toward Santa Clause during the annual FOP Christmas Party at the Phil Gainer Community Center. Children attending the event were able to visit and take pictures with Santa.

The Tygart Valley Scottish Rite Masons and Elkins High School boys basketball teams served as volunteers at the event, handing out gifts and helping in other areas of need at the party.

“The Scottish Rite Masons not only helped the day of the event, but they also helped us wrap gifts and made monetary donations to the party,” Kilgore said. “It’s been a good partnership with them (Masons) after they have kinda signed on to help us out.”

Kilgore said the money raised for the Christmas Party each year is separated from other fundraisers the FOP does throughout the year. The lodge spent between $30,000 and $40,000 for this year’s Christmas Party and donations.

“Everything we generate from our Christmas fund goes into our Christmas account that is only spent on the party and the other organizations we assist during the holiday season,” Kilgore said. “Most of the money we take in is just from general donations. If it wasn’t for the community we would not be able to do the things we do at Christmas.”