Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1940-12-26


At the Licking County Chill
dren's home, the 1913 wards gath
cred in the dining room Christ
mas day and squeals of delight
was indication that the many
letters written to Santa Claus
had not been composed in vain.
The letters were distributed to
the Business and Professional
Women's club, Kiwanis club,
Kings Daughters, Altrusa club
and many individuals. Most of
the older children asked for and
received clothing, and for the
smaller kiddies there were toys
and games as well as clothing.
Santa Claus made personal dis
tribution of the presents. At
noon a roast chicken dinner, with
all the Christmas trimmings,
ending with mince pie, was serv-
ed. Christmas songs and carols
were participated in by the
group during the day. Superin-
tendent Walter Zerger and Mrs.
Zerger report a wonderful
Christmas and thank all who
helped to make the event a
happy one. Many visitors call
ed during the day.
Central Christmas Committee
The Central Christmas COM
mittee, the self-appointed aid of
Santa Claus saw to it that un-
fortunate children were not
overlooked and 1000 youngsters
scrambled for toys, dolls, candy,
nuts and fruit on Christmas
morning, because of the work by
this committee and contributing
groups. Cash was donated by
many individuals. Various clubs
and organizations helped in rails
ing the necessary funds, and
gathering the toys.
Salvation Army
AS in years past the Saliva
tion Army, this year under the
leadership of Major Payton, dis
tributed hundreds of baskets of
food to needy families so that
Christmas might be little
brighter.
Baskets were delivered Tues
day afternoon, Dec. "a by Boy
Scouts, assisted by adults, both
from Salvation army headquar-
terS and the Central Christmas
committee.
Matinees
Special matinees for children
were held Saturday morning,
both in the Midland and Audi
torium theaters. Canned food
was accepted at the Midland in
lieu of tickets, which was turn
ed over to the Salvation army.
At the Auditorium the American
Legion and auxiliary sponsored
a matinee with a Christmas
party for the children of the vet
Grams and from the Children's
home.
Sunshine Class
The Rotary club sponsored it's
annual Christmas party for the
Sunshine class of Roosevelt
school Friday noon in the First
Presbyterian church. Santa Claus
was present and distributed
gifts, some of them complying
with special requests. A Christ
mas dinner with turkey and all
the trimmings was feature of
event.
Lions Club
Members of the Lions club
donned their white whiskers and
dressed up as Santa Claus, and
distributed Christmas gifts to
needy families and their chill
dren. Three parties were held,
one Thursday night, Dec. 10 in
Hull place. Friday they visited
Lincoln school with their annual
treat for the sight-saving class.
That night club members joined
the boy scout troop sponsored
by the Lions in the cabin built
for the boys, south of Newark,
and gifts and individual treats
were distributed, Monday, Dec.
%, the club staged its annual
party for the Saturday Night
ers, the YMCA group of under
privileged boys.
Other Events
Other functions were the Rec
reation Parlor Christmas party,
the proceeds going to the Cen
trail Christmas party, the Elks
Toy dance, The Fiberglas club
follies benefit, and many others,
including various church organi-
cations, who did their best to
make the day little more en-
joyable for hundreds of less
fortunate families and indivi-
duals.