The Sunny View Clubhouse capped off 2018 with its annual Christmas House.

With a guarantee of snow moving in on the event date, organizers did not expect a large turnout — the community did not disappoint, though, they said.

Over 100 parents and children lined up to have their picture taken with Santa and enjoyed hot pizza straight from the pizza oven. Thanks to a grant from the Polk County Community Foundation again this year, kids were able to choose from a wide selection of toys and receive the traditional Sunny View Clubhouse lollipop after having their picture taken with Santa.

Families were sent home with bags full of fresh fruit and candy. Some of the children who usually come out were under the weather, so volunteers made a few deliveries for Santa.

As the clubhouse’s goal is to give back to the community as much as it can, members started a new tradition this year. With some of the grant funds, volunteers were able to help three elders and three families in the community by giving Christmas gifts and helping to relieve some of their needs, letting them know the community and clubhouse were thinking of them this holiday season.

Seeing smiling faces, relieved faces, hearing “thank you” and even tears shed just because they were thought of has made this something the clubhouse will continue to do each year as long as it can, members said.

The clubhouse wants to thank the Polk County Community Foundation for helping make all this possible and also to all the volunteers for the time and kindness given.

– Submitted by Jessica Raines