All proceeds from the week-long event will go to the Israel Hospice House. She said every child will receive a treat bag with a stuffed animal, candy, crayons and a picture with Santa. Entertainment will be provided by the Robert Thomas Dancenter, the Praise Puppets, balloonists, jugglers and carolers. Thorguaard said more than 200 people are expected to attend, with the average age of most children being around 5 years old.
Children also can have their face painted and have a picture taken with Santa.
They are also collecting stuffed animals for children in Mary Greeley Hospital and other organizations. The children will make crafts such as a Rudolph magnet, in which the antlers are the child's hands, and a cyclone birdhouse made of playing cards. The Storybook Tree is another special event that is going on today and Saturday. The Great Hall is also decorated with holiday trees of all kinds. The trees were decorated by different churches and organizations, showing people's creativity, Meier said.