Santa Claus is coming to Hokendauqua! Hokendauqua Park & Playground Association and Whitehall Fire Department Station 38 are teaming up to present the 2018 Operation Santa.

Santa will ride on a firetruck around the village noon-7 p.m. Dec. 16. As in previous years, Santa and his helpers will hand out oranges and bags of candy.

Anyone wishing to have a toy delivered to his or her child may drop off a gift - with the recipient’s name and address on it - at the Christmas tree farm at the Hokendauqua football field, Front and Lehigh streets, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 13 or 14.

Please note: You must bring your child to Santa’s sleigh since he will not be getting off the truck.

Rain date for Operation Santa is Dec. 23.

For further information and to view a Santa tracker, visit hokeypark.com.

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Reminder: During the 10:30 a.m. worship service Dec. 16, Sunday school classes at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3355 MacArthur Road, will present “The Christmas Carol - Special Report,” a Simple Plus program celebrating Christmas carols around the world.

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St. John’s United Church of Christ, Mickleys, 2918 MacArthur Road, will be hosting a service of hope 4 p.m. Dec. 16.

The holiday season can be a lonely time for many. People may be troubled by the loss of a loved one or lost in the suffering of grief or bereavement. Families may be estranged, whether it be by distance or words spoken in anger years ago. Many cannot find hope or joy during the holidays.

If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of sadness this Christmas season, invite them to this special worship service.

For further details, contact the church at 610-821-8725.

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The Hokendauqua fire station is selling Christmas trees at the football field. Pick up yours 6-9 p.m. weekdays or 9 a.m.-9 p.m. weekends.

Trees are $30 for any size.

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There will be a Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative community meal 4-6 p.m. Jan. 15, 2019, at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church.

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Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church has set the date for its annual basket social. The event will be held 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 2, 2019, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 3, 2019, with the drawing 1:30 p.m.

The committee is looking for donations of themed baskets, merchandise to make a themed basket and financial donations to shop and make a basket.

For more information on donating, contact Stacy Kemmerer at 484-375-8160.

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Does your church, club or organization have news for the Hokendauqua column? Send an email to skoch@tnonline.com by Dec. 21 to meet the next deadline.

I hope all have a joyous and safe holiday!