By Sean Copeland

While Christmas is a mere nine days away, for some lucky kids Christmas will come a week early in the form of a Christmas Party hosted at Bloomington High School.

Mike Matejka, a community leader has been hosting this party, which is co-sponsored by the McLean County Chamber of Commerce and the Bloomington-Normal trades and local unions for the last 35 years in the twin cities for children who are economically disadvantaged.

Each child receives one present and is able to enjoy the company of other children in a festive celebration of the season. Matejka stresses this event has gone through generations and that many families rely on it as a long held tradition.

“In some ways you feel bad at one level because some people will come in with their kids and say, ‘Hey, remember me? I came when I was a child.’ And you think it’s sad that, that family’s circumstances haven’t changed. At the same time, this is important and it’s become part of the season for those families too,” said Matejka.

The event will include activities like sports and games, creating christmas cards, the Bloomington High School Choir, and even a visit from Santa. The event is free and will be happening from 10 am- 1:30pm on Saturday December 16th. Contributions will be received through the Chamber of Commerce, and Matejka says whatever donations or funds that are left over will carry into the next year.

Sean can be reached at [email protected]