Care Net of Carbon County held its annual Christmas party last week at the Trinity Lutheran Church on Third Street in Lehighton.

The Christmas party was an annual event where all the clients and their families were invited to come for a full dinner, Christmas story and gifts for the children.

Susan DeMara, director; Cheryl Deutsch, assistant director and mentor; and Connie Hoffman, volunteer mentor, greeted the guests.

Administrative assistant Peggy Cicchinelli prepared the full dinner, and about 20 other volunteers brought veggie and fruit trays, homemade macaroni and cheese, and other goodies.

Approximately 100 people and their children were served. Afterward, children were ushered up front to hear Alli Carter tell the Christmas story about Jesus and his birth.

Heather Basick, administrative assistant at Care Net, wheeled out a cake with a huge candle and a Nativity scene on top. Everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to Jesus, and then all the children gathered around to blow out the candle.

Each family had their own bag with gifts for each child inside.

Parenting volunteer Chris Simock helped each child pick out a stuffed animal and a warm hat and gloves.