Sequim Gazette staff

Not every child gets a Christmas they hope for.

Thanks to the Soroptimist International of Port Angeles Jet Set group, about 100 youths have a good head start after a Dec. 9 Christmas party at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula’s Port Angeles unit (Mount Angeles).

Joining the Jet Set and Boys & Girls Club staffers in putting on the event were club members’ parents and student-athletes from the Peninsula College men’s and women’s basketball teams.

The college athletes led small groups of children through the various activities offered during the evening event including dinner, ornament decorating, a cakewalk, movies, a storyteller and a visit with Santa.

Unit director George Rodes said he is delighted with the partnership of the Boys & Girls Club with students of the Peninsula College’s basketball program, particularly the positive impact college athletes have with the children.

“We love seeing the relations that develop so quickly between the kids and the players,” Rodes said.

“Those moments are creating lasting memories for our kids and providing them with positive role models.”

Visitors young and old got private moments with Santa Claus, portrayed by John Hubbard. Santa passed out backpacks with fleece vests as well as a tooth care kit compliments of Irwin Dental Center. Charlie Ferris led a musical singalong of Christmastime favorites, and Renee Bible, dressed in holiday attire, read a Christmas story.

Food contributions came from Gordy’s, Drake’s, Domino’s, All About Pizza, Van Goes Pizza and the Port Angeles Food Bank. Other contributions came from Walmart and from Garnero, Smith, Hurd and Miller, CPAs.  Each child received a wrapped toy presented by the college basketball players and donated by Toys for Tots.