A charitable holiday tradition

For the third year in a row, Toni Boss and Barb Stull are opening their arms and hearts to Shelbyville. At Toni's home at 108 Cottonwood Dr., the two friends will host their third annual Christmas with Santa party, and everyone's invited.

"Last year, we had approximately 300 people show up, so we expect more this year," said Toni. "This year we are promoting memories, due to one of our family members who is dying of cancer. We would like to express how important it is to make wonderful memories with family and friends."

She got the idea three years ago when she decided to give up the gift giving within her own family so she could fulfill her dream of providing local children with an evening of fun at her home.

Santa is the star of the show, of course, and will be there to visit with the children under 10, have his picture made with them, and give them small gifts. The photos are all available for free downloading and printing at the Web site www.ephotospace.com/boss108 , where visitors can also comment about Christmas, posting poems and stories.

"In addition to Santa, we will have Christmas music, hot chocolate, coffee, and a small snack," said Toni. "We ask that everyone come and enjoy themselves and see the lights."

The party serves more than one purpose. Besides building a sense of community and goodwill, it offers those attending a chance to contribute to others in need.

"Every year we have grown, and each year we ask for donations," she said. "We need volunteers for crowd control, to serve refreshments, keep an eye on gift count, make coffee and hot chocolate, and refill snacks, etc. We also need food, such as meat items for the baskets, potatoes, sugar, Kool-aid, tea, hot dogs, noodles, butter, yams, peanut butter, jelly, tuna, and other similar items, and any small toy items. We will be putting together food baskets for 10 - 12 families the day after the event."

Those wishing to donate toys before the event can do so at a special drop-off box at Dollar General Market. People throughout the community have joined Toni and Barb in the holiday effort.

"Deputy Rodney Guinn of the Sheriff's Department will be Santa this year," said Toni. "We are very happy to have him and his support. Dee Miller will be providing all the snacks for our visitors, and Missy from Papa Johns will be providing pizzas for our volunteers."

Others who have helped this year include Lowe's, and Carrier Employees of Smyrna. Anyone interested in helping can contact Barb Stull and Toni Boss at 684-2167 or (615) 995-0805.

Toni's house can be found on Cottonwood Dr., located in the newer subdivision across the street from Kroger's on NorthMain Street.

"Take Quarry St. (next to Gateway Tire) down two blocks and make a right, and you will see the house all lit up," she said.

If you go

Christmas with Santa will be from 6-9 pm. Saturday, Dec. 19 at 108 Cottonwood Drive. There is no fee, but donations for Christmas food baskets are encouraged. Santa will be on hand for the children and will have small gifts for them.