With less than a week to go before Christmas, nearly 1,000 children and their parents were treated to a holiday party at the University of South Florida.
The youngsters are patients of Children's Medical Services, the state-financed program providing medical care to chronically ill, lower-income children.
The party was hosted by former members of the now-defunct Tampa Bay Kiwanis Club with help from volunteers from First Methodist Church of Brandon. The Kiwanis Club began hosting the parties in 1977.
When the club disbanded several years ago, former member Mark Tubb and some friends took over the event.
"For a lot of families, this is their big Christmas party," said Anthony Fernandez, a social worker with Children's Medical Services.
The party included pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, carnival-style games and food. Entertainer Steven Lombardo roamed the crowd riding a unicycle and walking on a large ball.
Kiwanis member Randy Moore's stepchildren used to attend the party every year. He said the event gives the children a chance to forget about their medical conditions for a while.
"They can come here outside the medical building and have a fun time," Moore said.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement
Advertisement