More than 100 people gathered with the Emmaus Kiwanis Club to celebrate the 50th Christmas party for those with special needs. The party was held Dec. 14, 2016, at St. John’s Lutheran UCC, Emmaus.

The evening began with a prayer of thanks presented by Kiwanis volunteer, Rennie Wetherhold, of Emmaus. She and co-chair Linda Salter, also of Emmaus, are two of the 38 club members.

Pat Rhoads, of Coopersburg, sat at the registration table to check in the invitees on her list. She called family members of those with special needs to invite them and their loved ones to the annual party.

“I call families and see what they would like. Some of these kids are looking forward to this since August,” Rhoads said.

Rhoads and fellow volunteer Alisha Keiser, both of Emmaus, shopped for personalized party gifts for guests.

A few of the gifts included clothing and gift certificates. The Kiwanis club uses money raised from fundraisers throughout the year and donations from local sponsors.

Many party-goers mingled while sampling a light assortment of snacks and soft drinks. Ice cream sundaes were served for dessert. The Key Club, a branch of the Kiwanis Club from Emmaus High School, helped decorate the room, worked in the kitchen and served patrons.

Applause filled the fellowship hall as Santa, also known as Drew Wesnak and Mrs. Claus, his wife in real life, Sharon Wesnak, of Whitehall made their way through the door with their pack of merry elves Dave Schiaffo as Buddy, Sue Wesnak as Snowflake and Paul Wesnak as Scooter. Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves are all related and host local Christmas charities each year.

After Santa appeared, it was time to distribute gifts. Those who registered were called individually to the front of the stage to receive their package, a candy cane and a chance to sit on Santa’s’ lap.

Disc jockey Dylan Walkers, of Macungie, from Wesley Works, played a mix of upbeat tunes for the all ages group. Songs included “YMCA” by the Village People, Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” and “Locomotion.”

During “Locomotion,” dancers held others shoulders at they circled the floor. A few Christmas favorites were played as well such as “Deck the Halls” and “Joy to the World.” Members of the Key Club joined the dancing and encouraged other partygoers to participate.

The first Kiwanis Club President, Stanley Holmes, of Emmaus, who organized the first party in 1966 attended the celebration. Holmes has been a Kiwanis member for 56 years.

“The first party was chartered by the Quakertown Kiwanis Club and was held in Emmaus. Bennet Gerhart, a member of the Quakertown club, started it because he helped people with special needs in the community.

He would set up transportation for special needs people. He got the Moravian Church in Emmaus to host the party and then it went to St. Johns’ Lutheran in Emmaus,” Holmes said.

For information on the Kiwanis Club events go to emmauskiwanis.org