On Dec. 12 the VFW Auxiliary to R.W. Fritzinger Post 7215 held its annual Christmas party for the children. Something new was added as the musical group Sing for America came to entertain. The group consists of Taryn, Tasia and Teara Gilbert and often includes brothers Jewel and Jorne.

They sing only for donations, which go to help veterans. Since the group began in 2005 it has spent $40,000 providing food, trips to doctors, help with heating and electric bills or taking a family to where a serviceman is going to have surgery.They say they love performing and normally the two brothers join the three girls, but they were involved with school activities. Both attend Muhlenberg College.After 9/11 the girls wondered what they could do to help and it grew out of that desire. They keep a busy schedule, especially on patriotic holidays and during the Christmas season. Music is oldies, holiday, Broadway and patriotic. Their parents help with the logistics.They also have a production company which will have a busy day on Dec. 29 as activities begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by the play, "A Little Princess - a Christmas Musical." Many of the people who have been on stage with them over the past 10 years will be at the Charlie Brown Ice House in Bethlehem for the appreciation Home for Christmas Salute.There is no admission and the event will include entertainment, cocktails, food and a check presentation. The evening is dedicated to honoring veterans.Information and free registration is at singforamerica.com or by calling 610-417-2189 to register.The group sang "Here Comes Santa Claus," and the man in the red suit came to visit with the children and bring them presents. It was the 13th year for the party. Karen Bandzi, Michele Minnich, Sue Bortz and Sandy Hopkins went shopping. Wrapping was done by Bandzi, Minnich, Mandy Frantz, past poppy king Skylar Green and McKenzie Magliano.Bandzi first met the Sing For America group in Tobyhanna at the District 20 Patriot's Pen finals.As Sing for America was getting ready to leave, they said they had a request. The anthems for each of the military branches were sung followed by a salute. The audience was asked to sing along to "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."