Christmas is a time for miracles and magic, and for 85 special Dream Come True of the Lehigh Valley children, the non-profit foundation created a magical world this past Saturday in Kempton.

The youngsters were treated to a train ride aboard the North Pole Express, also known as the Wanamaker, Kempton and Southern Railroad, to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole, aka the Kempton Community Recreation Center.

Costumed characters from Sesame Street and other children's favorites visited with the youngsters as elves infused with boundless energy entertained by playing "Trivia," reading a story, handing out jingle bells and cookies, and singing traditional Christmas songs such as "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."

The children responded just as enthusiastically calling out the answers to the "Trivia" contest and loudly singing the songs.

When the train returned to the Kempton Station, a bus was waiting to transport them to the North Pole party.

Upon entering the community center, the youngsters visited nine reindeer stations where they received a bounty of goodies from various businesses as they proceeded on their way to where their families were waiting.

After a dinner provided by the Holiday Inn, Fogelsville, there were crafts and entertainment, and then the long-awaited visit with the Jolly 'Ol Elf himself.

This was the first year the WK&S transported the youngsters to the North Pole. In previous years, Dream Come True youngsters boarded a plane at Lehigh Valley International Airport for their ride to see Santa.

Founded by entrepreneur Kostas Kalogeropoulos in 1984, Dream Come True fulfills the dreams of children who are seriously, chronically or terminally ill without any government funding, depending solely on donations and the goodness of the people and businesses throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Head Elf Rayann Vasko, also known as the Dream Come True Foundation executive director, was joined by a bevy of volunteers dressed as elves, Sesame Street characters and IronPigs mascots FeRROUS and FeFe.

Without the help of volunteers and donations from Lehigh Valley businesses, Christmas for these special children and their families would not be as special or magical.

What I saw, heard and felt Saturday as I rode the train with the youngsters and Dream Come True elves to the North Pole was magical.

Volunteers were enthusiastically giving their time and energy to bring smiles to the faces of children they did not know nor may ever meet again.

This is the true meaning of Christmas exemplified – to give of one's self, to think of others and to bring happiness to others – and this is the reason the Christ Child was born.

Deb Palmieri

editor

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press