Santa shakes hands with Roy at the VOA Christmas Party on Dec. 18. | Clif Knight

A fun-filled Christmas party complete with gifts from Santa was given for Volunteers of America clients at Sparkman Civic Center on Dec. 18.

Each of the 26 recipients, all of whom reside in Hartselle group homes, were greeted with hugs and handshakes as they arrived at the civic center, after which each received a wrapped gift and a gift bag filled with fruit and candy, Santa handed out the gifts as each name was called. After gifts were unwrapped, refreshments were served.

The Hartselle Parks & Recreation Department sponsored the party with the help of Hartselle Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, according to Staci McCormick, director of activities.

“VOA employees provided us with a wish list and by doing some bargain shopping we were able to buy everything they asked for, McCormick said. “These gifts will be their Christmas for the most part because they don’t receive gifts from other sources or have money to buy their own.”

Gerald received a gift from Santa at the VOA Christmas Party. | Clif Knight