Santa Visits Arnold Elementary

Within the first hour of Arnold Elementary PTA's Breakfast with Santa event on Saturday [Dec. 11], coordinator Melissa Bowen got worried.

"With so many people coming, we quickly thought we would run out of food," explained Bowen who turned to the caterer at Buddy's in Annapolis, "but Buddy's was great and told us they could always make more."

The school literally packed guests in, with the cafeteria being the spot to eat a bountiful breakfast, hear student musicians perform, and view the fantastic art pieces that AES students have been busy making just in time for the holidays.

Santa made his grand entrance, making his way to the stage, giving younger attendees the opportunity to share their lists with him and get a photo with St. Nick.

"We have a wonderful Santa helper who has been coming for years," said Bowen. The helper had been making appearances with the county police department before joining the AES celebration. Even his retirement to Delaware couldn't keep this committed elf away from the Arnold families he has grown to love over the years.

Bowen is thankful for the folks at the Marriott Courtyard who donated a room so the helper could travel to the area to attend their annual event.

Down the hallway in the Santa Shoppe, students were able to purchase a variety of gifts for their loved ones while their parents waited in the hallway. All items were under $5 and included everything from sports items to water bottles to books and calendars.

Parent volunteer Melanie Price who headed this component of the event said that the students really enjoy having the freedom to shop and surprise their loved ones.

"We provide a safe environment for our students to shop," she said. "Donations from families really helped out what we were able to offer this year."

National Junior Honor Society members from Severn River Middle School were on hand to assist young shoppers in making decisions about what to purchase.

"We also helped hand out candy canes to kids when they visited Santa," said Nina Shea, one of the middle school helpers.

Though it took months of planning and coordination, Bowen said the smiles of the families throughout the morning was worth it all.

"The kids just love it," she said, "and that's all that matters."

Everybody makes mistakes ... even us! If there's something in this article that you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, give Local Editor Laura Tayman a ring at 410-693-7840 or shoot her an e-mail at Laura.Tayman@patch.com.