Boys and Girls Clubs party at the movies

Volunteers gathered Dec. 13 at Cinema De Lux Maumee to assist with more than 500 children attending the Boys and Girls Clubs' 117th annual Christmas party. The guests saw two movies, Bolt and Madagascar 2, then were treated to goody bags full of food, books, school supplies, and stuffed animals and a visit from Santa. While the youngsters had fun, volunteers including Rob Shick, a trustee of the club, were the ones who really felt lucky as they saw the smiles on the children's faces.

The Hannah's Socks Holiday Drive, hosted by the Town Center at Levis Commons, collected more than 1,000 pairs of new socks to benefit the local charity that supports area families in need. From the end of November through Dec. 21, the shopping center served as a collection site for new men's, women's, and children's socks and underwear.

Neighbors on Ginger Trail gathered for a Christmas party, continuing a tradition of about 35 years. In the past, the group went to various homes. This year, however, they moved the Dec. 14 dinner to LaScola Italian Grill, where some folks found pictures of themselves or people they knew amid the photos on the walls. Among the neighbors were Dave and Kathy Simko, Matt Connell and Tracy Vandenburg, Gail and Chuck Abood, Henry and Pam Herschel, and many more, including two who lived on Ginger Trail in 1969: Mary Thompson and Judy Ellenberger.

Other parties included:

Dave Davis of Sylvania, playing Santa, hugs Patricia Brown, 6, at the Boys and Girls Club party.

•The 33rd annual holiday celebration in the home of Ken and Deborah Knight in Miami Manor on Dec. 13. Instead of bringing hostess gifts, guests were invited to make a donation to Mom's House for young single mothers who are attending school.

•The Toledo chapter of Jack and Jill America's annual Soulful Santa affair Dec. 13 in the Third Baptist Church.

•The Toledo Yacht Club's annual alumni and members'Christmas party on Dec. 6 in the home of Joanne and Bill McElheney.

•Maumee Valley Historical Society members gathered for holiday cheer Dec. 5 at the Wolcott House. That same night the Toledo Sail and Power Squadron held its annual Cruising with Tradition Christmas Party at HJ's Prime Cut on Alexis Road.

•A holiday reception Dec. 4 at the University of Toledo engineering department with Dean Naji Naganathan as the host.

•Milo and Chrissie Danzeisen hosted their annual party the last day of November. Bruce Roberts Interiors helped kick off the holiday season with a Nov. 20 holiday open house hosted by Todd Commisso.

The list of parties goes on and on, maybe nearly as long as Santa's list for those who were nice.

Have a very Merry Christmas!