A long-standing and beloved tradition in the Northern Lehigh School District is about to conduct its latest rendition.

Children will sing, senior citizens will be treated to a delicious turkey meal for lunch, and the holiday spirit will once again shine through.

All of that and more promises to result in a festive mood for those who attend the 45th annual Senior Citizen Holiday Program.

The festivities hosted by Slatington Elementary School will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday with the concert portion of the event, with lunch to be served around 11:15 a.m.

School Principal Todd Breiner said the event is being organized by Sarah Fink, a fourth-grade teacher at the school.

Breiner said guests will enjoy choral performances by students in grades 3 through 6, directed by Mr. Steven Jonkman, general music teacher and elementary band director. The Slatington Elementary School Band will also perform, helping create a festive and heartwarming atmosphere for all in attendance.

In addition to the musical entertainment, he said the event will feature homemade cookies, ornament gifts, student-designed place mats, and a free holiday meal and dessert served by members of the Slatington Elementary Student Council and school staff. Students across all grade levels have had a hand in preparing the celebration by crafting meaningful gifts and place mats for their senior guests, Breiner said.

Behind the scenes, he said the event has been made possible through the extensive coordination of Fink, Karen Beltz, school administrative assistant, and the broader planning team, who have overseen invitations, meal planning and community outreach, including organizing cookie donations from families.

On Monday, students, families, faculty, and staff will donate cookies to be boxed and gifted to each senior citizen, Breiner said. Transportation for residents from Dillard Manor, Mt. View Apartments and Eastern Comfort Assisted Living will be provided by Krise Transportation, whose drivers are donating their time to ensure seniors may attend safely and comfortably, he said. Those unable to attend in person will still receive a box of cookies and a holiday gift delivered upon the buses’ return, Breiner said.

He extended special recognition to Fink, Beltz, Amber Wells, Jonkman, Rachel DeMicco, Kristie Borger, Madie Henderson, Andrea Rosario, Jennifer Lindtner, Gail Lafferty and Dylan Hofmann for their leadership and coordination of the event. Breiner said additional thanks go to Nichole Fink, director of food services, and Chris Mann, director of operations, and their teams for their efforts with food preparation, setup, and cleanup. The school also extends appreciation to the entire Slatington Elementary School student body, faculty, staff and families for their donations, time and enthusiastic participation, he said.

Breiner said the annual celebration holds deep meaning for both the school and the community.

“For senior citizens, it provides a joyful holiday experience, meaningful intergenerational connection and the warmth of being honored by local students,” he said. “For the school, it reinforces the importance of service, gratitude and community engagement.”

Breiner added: “Students take great pride in preparing gifts, performing for an audience and learning firsthand the value of giving back making this event a cherished highlight of the year for all involved.

“Slatington Elementary School is honored to continue this tradition of fellowship, celebration, and community spirit. The school looks forward to another memorable year of bringing holiday joy to Northern Lehigh’s senior citizens.”

Limited seating is available. Call 610-767-9821 for reservations.