by Melody Clinton

The 44 children attending the Private Industry Council's Family Literacy Holiday Book Gala on Tuesday, December 19, 2006, were truly surprised when Santa Claus stopped by to talk to them and listen to their holiday wish lists. As families were busy finishing their Christmas sponge painting and Santa Claus garland origami, they looked up in surprise when they heard sleigh bells ringing.

As Santa entered the activity room, the older children swarmed around him in a gleeful welcome. As they waited in line to speak to Santa individually, the older children jostled each other while the smaller children peeked around the shoulders of the taller children.

The children were truly filled with the wonder of Christmas. As their wide, wondering eyes observed this jolly, oddly dressed man, they seemed to be trying to figure out why this gentleman seemed vaguely familiar.

Family Literacy humbly thanks Santa for taking time to visit the Private Industry Council during his busiest week of the year to distribute books to each child.