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Santa Brings Smiles To Wimauma Kindergartners

Tribune photo by LOIS KINDLE

Alani Silva, 6, shows her delight as she sits on Santa's lap at Wimauma Elementary School's Dec. 2 holiday event. Each of the 650 students at the school visited personally with the Jolly Old Soul and had a picture taken with him.

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By LOIS KINDLE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 3, 2008

WIMAUMA - Warmed by hoodies, sweaters and jackets, more than 100 kindergartners sat on the curb singing Christmas carols with their teachers.

Oblivious to the chill in the air, they turned their eager faces toward an approaching fire truck. It was Santa, riding high atop a Hillsborough County Fire Rescue hook and ladder.

The jolly old soul came to Wimauma Elementary School as part of an annual holiday event sponsored by Frozen & Refrigerated Foods of Central Florida, a nonprofit association based in Clearwater.

"Seven years ago, I heard about the needs of these children through a friend and went to our board about doing something for them," said Linda Lamberson, the association's president. "We've been doing this event every year since."

About 650 students in kindergarten through sixth grade were treated to one-on-one visits and photos with Santa, a bagful of goodies they collected trick-or-treat style, balloon animals made by elves, drinks and an ice-cream novelty. They prepared letters and cards for Santa and sang carols in thanks for his visit.

"These children are so grateful, so polite, so sweet," said Joyce Alderman, the nonprofit's administrator. "There is a true need here, and we are happy to help fill it."

Teachers got in the spirit, too. Many sported holiday headwear as they kept track of their young charges during Tuesday's event. Others led their classes in song; still others shot pictures. Each received an 18-inch, insulated cooler bag filled with samples, candy, personal products, coupons and school supplies from the vendors supporting Frozen & Refrigerated Foods.

"It's such a great thing they do for our students," teacher Gina West said. "The children are so happy and excited. Every year, [the event] gets better and better."

Principal Roy Moral was especially grateful. Ninety-three percent of his students are from low-income families, 63 percent are learning to speak English and 15 percent have a disability.

"With the economy being the way it is this year, finding contributors and business partners has been difficult," Moral said.

"There was a smile on every child's face today," he said. "Throughout the day, many students asked me, 'Is today Christmas?' I said, 'Yes. And you get to do it again Dec. 25."

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553.

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