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Community Corner

Santa Claus Shows up at Community Center

Cranford Jaycees and Community Center put on a joyful holiday event.

If the wreaths and reindeer downtown weren't an indication, the holidays have come to Cranford. This past Saturday, The Cranford Community Center held a Kids Christmas Party sponsored by the Cranford Jaycees. The center was decked out in festive attire; streamers glimmered and twirled from the ceiling, and a small tree twinkled in the corner. Children were invited for a fun-filled day of face painting, games, and treats. Santa even paid an early visit, posing for photos and taking requests.

            "The Cranford Jaycees have been doing this event for about 15 years," said Phillip Siciliano, one of the event coordinators. "It's an annual event where we give back to the children and the community."

            While kids anxiously awaited to hear if they had been naughty or nice, Cranford Girl Scouts collected donations of baby blankets, toys, and other gifts and for the Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside. The young ladies also donated their time to some of the youngsters, by reading aloud from Christmas books.

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            "I think it's fantastic," Tina Jones, a Cranford resident and first-time attendee, said of the event. "Everyone's donating their time and the girl scouts have come out to help. It's great. I love seeing so many different faces and meeting new people I wouldn't normally meet."

            The Girl Scouts were also working with Project Night Night, a charity to benefit homeless children. After ordering a Project Night Night tote for a donation of $3.50, you fill it with a stuffed animal, a blanket, and a book. The care-bag is then given to a homeless child, in the hopes that they'll have sweeter dreams.

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            "We do a lot of events and it's wonderful to see the children and the parents giving so much of themselves for others," said Beth Wolf, a Cranford resident her entire life. "Whether it's the specialized hospital, the food bank, or the hospice, people still try to give back. No matter how hard we're struggling, there are always people who are struggling a lot more."

            Wolf stated her favorite part of the day had been seeing the bright, smiling faces of the children. "They light up my day."

            With cheer and goodwill toward man in abundant supply, it's no surprise many Cranford kids will find themselves on the Nice List this December 25.

            "There are a lot of good kids in Cranford," said Santa, who officially goes by the name Kris Krinkle. "I love stopping here every year."

            When asked what his plans were for the off-season, Krinkle enthusiastically said he'd be playing a lot of golf.

            "I like the Teeth of the Dog course down in the Dominican Republic," he said with a chuckle. "I like it warm, the North Pole is actually way overrated."

            If you are interested in getting involved, visit  Project Night Night or the Children's Specialized Hospital online.

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