In following a tradition full of joy for Manchester Township PBA 246 and its community partners, local children in need were treated to an evening of holiday cheer during the annual “Dinner with Santa” held on December 9, 2016.Dinner with Santa 2016 (1)

More than 250 local children and their families were invited to attend the event this past weekend at Manchester Township Middle School. There, the grade school-aged children from Manchester’s elementary schools enjoyed a spaghetti dinner and visited with Santa, who presented them with a gift.

“Each year, this tradition of giving back to our community and spreading holiday cheer to families in need is one that we always look forward to,” said Manchester PBA 246 President Paul Bachovchin. “Everyone, from our volunteers to our guests, has a great time. It’s always a joy to see the children’s faces light up when they meet Santa.”

More than 25 current and former members of Manchester PBA 246 and their families attended the dinner and helped ensure its success. Also in attendance were Councilman Craig Wallis, resident and volunteer John McGuire, and school kitchen staff Dolores Brooks, Linda Donnelly, and Felicia Ventura.

Dinner with Santa 2016 (3)

Manchester PBA 246 is grateful for the generous donations of food from: Luigi’s Pizzeria, Restaurant and Lounge of Lakehurst, Café Napoli of Manchester, Heritage Restaurant of Whiting, Three B’s of Lakehurst, Joey’s Restaurant of Whiting, and Manchester Shoprite. Manchester PBA 246 also would like to thank Manchester Township High School’s cheerleaders and Michael Thorpe of Balloons New Jersey for volunteering their time. The kindness of these partners helped to ensure the continued success of this annual dinner.