Santa Makes a Special Visit to the Parsippany Child Day Care Center

Dec 20, 2023

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Kiwanis-Club-of-Greater-Parsippany7 — Jade Stevens gingerly perches herself on Santa's knee, eagerly sharing her well-behaved year and handing over her Christmas wish list.

PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, December 9th, Santa Claus and members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany paid a special visit to the Parsippany Child Day Care Center. It was a heartwarming event where children and their families gathered to enjoy a delightful breakfast with Santa himself. During the event, Santa took the time to chat with the children, asking them about their Christmas wishes and whether they believed they belonged on the naughty or nice list.

Mayor James Barberio and Councilman Frank Neglia had a heartwarming moment as they joined Santa during the visit. Their smiles and laughter filled the room as they shared in the joy and festive spirit of the occasion, embodying the true essence of community and holiday cheer.

Mayor James Barberio shared his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany organized this event is what makes this season so great. Seeing how happy children were to meet and eat with Santa brought me back to when I was a child meeting Santa! The excitement and joy in the air were profound!”

Joe Jannarone skillfully took charge of flipping the pancakes, ensuring that everyone enjoyed delicious and perfectly cooked breakfast treats during the special event. His culinary expertise added to the warmth and delight of the gathering.

The breakfast, which was enjoyed by more than 180 guests, was a delightful feast. Kiwanis Club volunteers generously served a scrumptious array of dishes, including scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, pancakes, bagels, yogurt, donuts, and muffins. It was a true culinary treat that added to the festive atmosphere of the event.

Additionally, the members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany went above and beyond by not only dedicating their time but also providing thoughtful gifts for each child in attendance. This extra touch made the occasion even more memorable and filled with joy for everyone who took part in the festivities.

“We were very excited to be able to share this highly anticipated, annual event with not only our families that attend Parsippany Child Day Care Center but also with our United In Care families. It was a very successful event and the families were very grateful. Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany for sponsoring this event,” said Linda Mlynarski, Executive Director.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Carol Tiesi had a meaningful conversation with Santa, enthusiastically sharing all the wonderful activities and contributions that the club had been involved in throughout the year. It was a moment to showcase the club’s commitment to community service and spreading goodwill during the holiday season.

Kathy Astorga, one of Santa’s trusted helpers, made it her mission to ensure that every child at the event received a special gift from Santa. Her dedication and commitment to spreading happiness and holiday magic among the children added to the heartwarming atmosphere of the occasion.

The bags were brimming with delightful gifts, ready to bring joy and smiles to all the children.

Gordon Meth, Linda Mlynarsk, and Angela Largacha came together to observe the children having a great time, enjoying the festivities and creating cherished memories. Their presence added to the warm and festive atmosphere of the event.

Judi Chase, Susan Slaughter, Bob Young, and Debbie Young were all invaluable kitchen helpers during the event. Their hard work and dedication ensured that the breakfast was prepared and served with care, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the gathering.

The Kiwanis Club extended its warm hospitality to both the families and children of the Parsippany Day Care Center and those affiliated with United In Care’s District 11 Child Care Alliance (UIC). The UIC network encompasses not only the Parsippany Child Day Care Center but also numerous local Home-Based Child Care Providers situated in Morris County/District 11. This initiative is part of a grant-funded pilot program administered by the United Way of Northern NJ. Its primary goal is to evaluate a novel child care delivery system aimed at enhancing access to high-quality, affordable, and flexible child care services for families throughout New Jersey. By participating in this effort, the Kiwanis Club played a crucial role in supporting this important mission.