A large gathering of anxious children, parents, and grandparents gathered outside of the Fairview Hose Company in Jim Thorpe to wait their turn in line to see and talk to Santa Claus.

The sound of an approaching siren signaled his arrival at the firehouse on Ninth Street riding in a fire truck.The line of eager children moved slowly through a room decorated with a Christmas Tree and tables full of toys.During his stopover at the firehouse, Santa met and talked with 85 excited youngsters.After their visit with Santa Claus, each child also received a toy of their choice and some candy .This visit by the jolly old elf marked the seventy-third year of the Fairview Hose Company Social Club's Childrens' Christmas Party.This year, 150 gifts were donated by local businesses and social club members.The 65 toys that were not distributed during Santa's visit were sent on to the Marine Corp League Toys for Tots.