Annual special needs Christmas luncheon held

The Chubbuck Lions Club had a luncheon Sunday for families with children who have special needs.

The lions fed more than 400 people, and provided dancing, and music for everyone, as well as a special visit by Santa.

The Lions club started this event 53 years ago because it saw a need.

“Really it’s a community event so an opportunity to bring some Christmas spirit and joy to these children that wouldn’t get it as much,”Daniel Parrish, a member of the club stated.

The Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program helped Santa out and brought toys.

Members of one family said that coming to the event means the world to them.

“It really makes my Christmas and he would of really loved it if he could have been here for it. ” Kim Whitehead, whose son died 13 years ago.

“Because it is so good to see these kids to see how bright and wonderful they are and love that they have for everybody. There a wonderful blessing and I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

All the food and toys from the event were donated by community members.

No food will go to waste either.

After the luncheon, leftovers were delivered to homeless shelters.