SU spreads Christmas cheer

Santa himself couldn't throw a better children's Christmas party, so he stopped by the University of Alberta to see how it was done.

Ready with pizza, crafts, fresh-baked cookies, candy canes, music, decorations and a sack full of Christmas cheer, Santa's helpers decked the Dinwoodie Lounge with boughs of holly in preparation of the 13th annual Students' Union Christmas Party for Kids.

More than 360 children from Athlone and Lauderdale elementary schools were invited to the party, which included craft-making, cookie decorating and carol singing.

"This is a chance for us to volunteer and reach out to the community," said Chris Le, Students' Union vice-president of student life. "We think it's important for students to have a diversity of experience here. This is a chance, as university students, to help out children and give them a benefit of enjoying the holiday season."

The Christmas Party for Kids, which alternates between the Catholic and Public school systems, pulled in an astounding 120 university volunteers, who made the day go off without a hitch.

"I liked it when we sang. We sang Jingle Bells and we sang Frosty the Snowman," said Ammera Hayley, a student at Athlone, who was in the middle of some crafts and waiting her turn to see Santa.

"We do a lot of recruiting, and we have an SU volunteer serve list, but I think also one of the successes is word of mouth, getting people to say, 'Hey, are you coming?' " said Le. "If you take a look, people are clumping together, coming together as friends because they know it's a real good time to come and talk and have fun together."

Of course, that kind of energy could only bolster an action-packed day, which culminated in a visit from old St. Nick in the Myer Horowitz Theatre.