Santa Claus (Ralph Wallace) hands out gifts at a Christmas party hosted by the Old Dominion Boat Club Dec. 15 for children with special needs. More than 100 children from across the city attended the annual event. Photo by Carolyn Bell
Santa Claus and his chief elf were on hand Dec. 15 as the Old Dominion Boat Club hosted its annual Christmas party for special education children from across the city.
More than 100 students with autism, intellectual disabilities and multiple disabilities attended the event, which has been held at the club for more than 30 years.
"The Old Dominion Boat Club is so generous every year,” said James K. Polk special education teacher Lauren Scorse. “They make our students so happy by putting on a luncheon and having Santa get off the boat and give them presents."
ODBC member Ralph Wallace as Santa was joined by fellow member Lucy Godden, who handled chief elf duties in handing out gifts to children from nine elementary schools in Alexandria.
"I love the boat club," said 2nd grade student Ali Ali, who attends James K. Polk Elementary.
ODBC Board of Governors member Dee Beresford has organized the event for several years.
"The Boat Club has had the pleasure of hosting the Children with Special Needs Christmas Party for over 30 years,” Beresford said. “The smiles and hugs from the children make our hearts full."