By Emily Enfinger | The Selma Times-Journal

Families gathered Saturday outside Edmundite Missions for its annual Christmas party.

“Every year the Edmundites try to bring a little smile and hope to the kids in Selma by having this Christmas party for them,” said Bradford Perry, director of nutrition at the Bosco Nutrition Center.

Children did cartwheels and played in the grass as they waited for Santa to arrive. Finally, Santa and Mrs. Claus pulled up in a white convertible, decked out in garland and a big red bow.

“They try to make it a little more theatrical for the kids — so they can get a good laugh out of it.” Perry said.

Perry said the missions brought things up a notch this year by having the staff and volunteers dress up as elves.

Families were invited inside so children could have their photo taken with Santa and received a cupcake and lunch bag, which included a hot dog, potato chips, Capri Sun juice drink and a granola bar.

Afterwards, the kids were guided to the next room where children were given a gift based off their gender and age group.

“Thanks to the generosity of people here in Selma and the donors all over the country, we have gifts to give the kids.” said Father Lino Oropeza, of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish.

Sheronda Armstrong, operating the front desk of the toy room, greeted kids and asked for their age.

She then gave them a hat and a set of gloves before inviting them to get their gift.

“We want to make sure they stay healthy,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong said they give the children the warm accessories to make sure they have something to wear during the winter season, especially in the chilly mornings on their way to school.

“It’s a great ministry which makes sure that the needs of others are thought of before anything else,” Armstrong said.

For more information about Edmundite Missions, visit www.edmunditemissions.org.