Jumping jacks and giggles filled the Palmerton Park as children from Kids for the Community waited to begin caroling.

Kids for the Community was established during the pandemic for local children “to grasp the joy and love from volunteering in the community and helping others in need.” The organization has been seen around town selling lemonade at Country Harvest and selling books in front of Blue Bombers Daycare. The funds raised go to local charities. Caroling is their newest adventure to bring joy and hope to those living in Palmerton.

The chorus included children ranging in age from toddler to high school. Wearing garland, bells and masks, they began their march up Franklin Avenue and were greeted by thankful neighbors.

Students from Watch Me Grow Preschool included Loukas Smale, Logan Smale, Emmersyn O’Donnell and Dawsyn O’Donnell.

Little Bombers student Jolene Papay was joined by Carter Lesher, a student at PathStone and Kaylee Lesher, a student at St. John Neumann.

From S.S. Palmer, Calianna Smale, Lucas Szumigraj, Hannah Papay and Audrianna Tajeda participated.

Palmerton junior high school students Kori Kistler, Brooklynne Winger and Blue Bomber Academy student Ashlynne Remaly joined their high school friends Isabella Kistler and Fiona Winger in singing.

Carols included Rudolph, Frosty and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

Palmerton native Larry Arner greeted the carolers with snacks. He said that caroling “is something good. We need this kind of thing this year.”

Clare Papay, one of the chaperoning carolers and mother to Hannah and Jolene, said, “It’s great to show my children what Christmas is all about - bringing a smile to someone’s face. I’ve heard community members say they didn’t know people still went caroling, so it was great to be able to show my children what caroling meant and how it makes people happy.”