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Our Residents

Santa Claus Makes a Stop at John L. Sullivan Apartments

Santa Claus Makes a Stop at John L. Sullivan Apartments

Santa Claus Makes a Stop at John L. Sullivan Apartments

Children sit in a circle around Santa Claus, waiting for gifts and fun a the John L. Sullivan Apartments annual Christmas party.

Children at the John L. Sullivan Apartments got an unusual treat on December 22, 2011 – a visit from Santa Claus, the Christmas man himself.

Santa paid a visit to more than 100 children and parents, meeting with boys and girls and sharing special gifts to all at the Springfield Housing Authority development in the Liberty Heights section of the city. The gifts, about 250 in all, came courtesy of Toys for Tots, the U.S. Marine Corps program that raises toys for needy families, and the YMCA of Springfield.

Children, naturally, were thrilled at the afternoon event, which included a pizza party.

“Christmas is pretty good,” said 11-year-old Agustin Lozada.

The party is good too. We get to spend time with our families and have fun together,” added the fifth grader at the nearby Boland Elementary School.

Santa Claus Makes a Stop at John L. Sullivan Apartments

Agustin Lozada, 11, having fun at the Sullivan Christmas party.

More than 100 children, parents and friends turned out for the annual holiday party at the Sullivan Community Room, where they were treated to pizza, chips, soft drinks, and a visit from Santa Claus, who called the event a perfect way to start the holiday season. He shared about 250 gifts, donated by Toys for Tots, the U.S. Marine Corps program that raises funds for Christmas toys for needy families across the region, and the YMCA of Springfield.

“Christmas is always a fun time for the kids,” said Santa, who is also known as Edward Lubanski, computer instructor at Sullivan.

“This party is a great way for everyone to get together and enjoy the holiday season,” he added.

SHA Grants Coordinator Lidya Rodriguez said the authority requests the toys every year to help out struggling families.

“We know how important it is for the low-income children to have Christmas presents. We want to put a smile on all their faces,” she said.

Santa Claus Makes a Stop at John L. Sullivan Apartments

Sabrina Blair, 14, holds her one-year-old niece Isabella Ruiz.

Fourteen-year-old Sabrina Blair held her year-old niece, Isabella Ruiz, and commented on the seasonal event.

“The kids are really loving this,” said the ninth-grader at the High School for Science and Technology.

Natasha Hernandez, her husband and their five children nearly filled a table. She said her children wouldn’t have missed the party for anything.

“It’s great because they get to interact with all the other kids, see Santa Claus, and just really enjoy themselves,” she said.

4473 days ago / Our Residents
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