Breakfast with Santa provides holiday fun for youth

Jeff Larson, Appeal-Democrat, Marysville, Calif.
·2 min read

Dec. 11—Children and families flocked to Yuba City's Veterans Hall on Saturday for the opportunity for priceless Christmas memories that some families had never before experienced.

For Yuba City resident DeeDee Frandsen, the trip to Breakfast with Santa, hosted by the Kiwanis Early Risers of Yuba City, was the first time that her children, Nicholas and Angel, had ever taken photos with Santa Claus. Both local kids, as well about 800 children, were more than thrilled to smile big for the camera while sitting on the lap of jolly old St. Nicholas.

"Angel has been showing his picture to everyone," Frandsen said.

Joanna Alvarado, president of the Kiwanis Early Risers of Yuba City, said the club has been putting on Breakfast with Santa for about three decades and it's one of her favorite Christmas events in the area.

"(The event) has quadrupled in size," Alvarado said. "Our club is focused on serving the kids of the community and what better way to serve the kids is with Breakfast with Santa."

In addition to pictures, Alvarado said there were many activities organized by local key clubs at River Valley High School and Sutter Union High School, adding that the high schools helped children decorate ornaments and other fun holiday decor to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

"That's my favorite part," Alvarado said.

Each child received a free pancake and sausage breakfast, while a $5 donation was suggested for all adults.

Most of the proceeds from Breakfast with Santa helped offset the cost of the breakfast items and other materials used to put on the annual event, according to Breakfast with Santa chairperson Faith Meagher.

Meagher, who is also a member of the Kiwanis Early Risers of Yuba City, meets each Tuesday with the club at Cool Hand Luke's for a weekly breakfast to discuss the agenda and how it can better serve the Yuba-Sutter area.

Alvarado said the club is always accepting new members and ideas from the public.

For Frandsen, the club's latest venture was a hit the minute she saw the smile on her children's faces when they snapped pictures with Santa Claus.