Children from all around Northern Chautauqua County were present to receive a gift and a stuffed animal (donated by Petsmart) from Santa. Anneliese Bruegel, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County, led the event and made sure “nobody opens their present until everyone has one.”

The anticipation in the room was thick as the kids were waiting, but not one child opened their gift early. When the last gift was given, the eruption of shredding paper and frenzy of excited shrieks was absolutely priceless to watch.

The gifts came from generous community members. Bruegel noted, “all the kids are sponsored by a community member, they get the kids what they ask for, it’s just a really nice good time.” Thanks to Petsmart’s donation, even the siblings of Boys & Girls Club members got to take home a new stuffed animal friend. “This is the second year Petsmart has donated to the event,” Bruegel noted, next to several massive bags of stuffed animals.

“It’s a great event,” said Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County Board Member Kelly O’Hare Borrello. “These are the only toys some kids will get this year.” In addition to the gifts, there was a wrapping and unwrapping contest where the kids were themselves the presents. There was also cookie decorating and a lovely table of homemade food and baked goods.

OBSERVER Photo by J.M. Lesinski Kids excitedly open Christmas presents at the Boys and Girls Club of Dunkirk’s annual holiday party Thursday.

There was a definitive sense of community at the Boys & Girls Club, as many whole families were in attendance.

“These kids are from the community, it’s not just a club,” Bruegel commented, “(this) goes through schools as well.” The Boys & Girls Club mission is “to inspire and enable young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.” The Christmas party definitively emphasized the element of caring and gave many hope amid the warmth of holiday cheer all around.

The Boys & Girls Club recently relocated from their previous location at 296 Lake Shore Dr E to The Salvation Army at 704 Central Ave. “This is our first Christmas in this (new) building,” Bruegel said. “We moved here in the fall, after the church we were at kicked us out, which was kind of ironic.”

According to Bruegel, “the event has gone on for many years at the other location,” but this is the first of many big events at The Salvation Army. “(A) generous donation from Athenex makes this happen,” Bruegel went on to say, “this party and future parties will be better thanks to them, as well as the board, and the community.” Brugel is incredibly grateful to all those who made the Christmas event possible, and looks forward to hosting many more.