Despite the holidays being over, children were still able to get into the Christmas spirit at the 17th annual R.W. Fritzinger VFW Post 7215 Auxiliary’s Christmas party recently.

The party, originally planned for December, had to be pushed back until January due to Gov. Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 shutdown which forced the VFW to close for a period of time.

Although attendance was lower compared to that of previous years, children in attendance were still able to have fun opening presents as if it were Christmas morning all over again.

The party included food, drinks, Christmas music and a variety of presents for all of the children to open while sitting on Santa’s lap.

Alayna Hankee, 5, received a variety of LOL dolls from the party.

Her mother, Sherry Hankee, noted that they come to the party every year and that it was weird attending the party after Christmas had passed. Despite the impacts of the pandemic, Hankee noted that she is “trying to make the best of things” given the situation.

Other kids such as Jaren Trainer received a football, baseballs and a bat, and his sister Cailynn Trainer got Care Bears and a unicorn messenger bag.

Dogs were included in the festivities as well with Coco the dog receiving Pup-Peroni dog treats, dressed for the occasion in fitting Santa attire.

Auxiliary President Karen Bandzi said all of the presents were purchased through a variety of donations made by the VFW board, the Slatington Lions Club and individuals that attended the VFW bar.

The VFW hosts a number of other holiday events throughout the year for both children and veterans as well including Easter parties and Thanksgiving food drives.

Bandzi said the next event that the VFW plans to host, depending on COVID-19 restrictions, is the Patriot’s Pen program, a youth essay contest promoting patriotism.