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Kindergartners Greet Santa

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By LOIS KINDLE

lkindle@tampatrib.com

Published: December 10, 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 last week 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."

"We do lots of things for charity, but we wanted to do something for someone not being served," added administrator Joyce Alderman. "This was an event we could call our own. We think of it as a kind of trick or treat for Christmas."

Played by Michael Crockett, Santa left his sled and reindeer behind and arrived at the school atop a hook 'n ladder truck. Personnel from the Wimauma and Sun City Center fire rescue squads participated.

Adding to the merriment were Shivers, a dancing penguin played by Tim Guerrieri, and an elf, a.k.a. Kim Magic, who blew up balloons and twisted them into toys for the kids.

"All of my performers call back year after year to return to this heartwarming event," said Pat "Big Boss" Fenda, owner of Strictly Entertainment, the company supplying the characters.

About 650 students in kindergarten through sixth grade were treated to one-on-one visits and photos with Santa, a bagful of goodies, socks, balloon animals, drinks and an ice-cream novelty.

"These children are so grateful, so polite, so sweet," Alderman said. "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 the event Dec. 2. 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.

"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."

MORE ONLINE

To see a gallery of photos from Santa's visit to Wimauma Elementary, go to southshore.tbo.com, keyword: Santa Visits Wimauma.

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

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

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