Across the country, children looked forward to Christmas morning with great excitement, but sometimes even Santa Claus needs a little help. So Santa Claus came to the New Bethany Ministries building on Fourth Street on Christmas Day.

Five members of the New Bethany staff and eight volunteers filled in for Santa’s elves. Toys and gifts filled a large room, arranged in neat order on and below tables. By the time the doors opened, a significant line had formed on the sidewalk. The children, anticipating a visit with Santa Claus, kept the atmosphere light and festive.

Due to COVID restrictions, only one family was able to enter at a time. As they were admitted, arriving families were greeted and given numbers. Hot food and fruit and snacks to go were provided. The families would move to a waiting area.

A runner brought cards for each family, with the numbers and the ages to the elves, who quickly gathered toys and gifts. The presents were then packed into a large box. Santa kept the children entertained while they waited.

Once the box was ready, a worker brought it to the family. After family members had seen Santa and received their gifts, they exited the building, and the next family was moved to the waiting area.

Families did not need to pre-register; they simply came to New Bethany on Christmas morning.

“We have always done a Christmas Day brunch,” explained Veronne Demesyeux, assistant executive director. “It has just evolved over the years, including Santa and gifts for the children.” She said 96 families were served on Christmas Day.

Santa also got some help from the Grace Lutheran Church Giving Tree, and Holiday Hope Chests from the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley. New Bethany Ministries provides food, hygiene products, financial counseling and other services to families in the Lehigh Valley.

More information can be found on their website: Newbethanyminstries.org