With the ring of jingle bells and a hearty “Ho-Ho-Ho” from
his bowl full of jelly, Santa Claus greeted the good girls and boys at the
Catholic Charities Regional Office in Leesburg Dec. 21, bringing joy and focus
to Christmas.
“Do you know whose birthday we celebrate on Christmas Day?”
he asked each child that visited him. They answered, “Jesus,” and shared with
Santa their wishes. Santa told them he doesn’t guarantee the wishes, but will
surprise them. The children received gifts, including a surprise wrapped in
paper, a pencil and small bears.
In between visits with children, Santa knelt before a
Nativity scene and prayed.
Kenna Cuomo, pantry administrator and emergency assistance
case coordinator, said having Santa visit with the message of the reason for
the season coincided with the work of their office, which includes the St. Lucy
Food Pantry and emergency assistance.
“This was more about showing the community how we at
Leesburg understand the reason for the season and how we help people through
hard times,” said Cuomo. “Seasonally, it is always difficult because parents
don’t have gifts or food to buy their children. Being able to give that to them
is truly the reason for the season.”
Sherri J. Longhill, emergency assistance program director,
said those who visit the office are encouraged to return. “We invite them back
to events like this so they are part of the family,” she said.
In addition to a visit from Santa, parents had an
opportunity to shop in the thrift shop. The items were provided by the giving
tree from Christ the Redeemer Church in Sterling. The giving tree from St. John
the Apostle Church in Leesburg provided small gifts for Santa to distribute.
