For nearly 30 years, the Aldergrove Elks have offered various no-cost Christmas celebrations for local children and their families.

On Saturday, Dec. 14, the Elks' annual children’s Christmas party is returning to the Aldergrove legion hall, with special guests including Santa and certain island princesses.

Parents and children are invited to participate in activities like face painting, balloon animals, and more from 1 to 4 p.m.

Hotdogs, juice, and hot chocolate will be given out during the party. 

Shawna Winter, one of the organizers, said the event is free for families. 

"There are so many families that are struggling, it's nice to give them an afternoon that will not cost them anything," she said. 

The Elks are anticipating a similar attendance to last year of up to 200 kids, and have goodie bags to hand out. 

Santa will be available for photos as well. 

While the event is free, cash and food donations for the Aldergrove Veterans & Seniors Society and Aldergrove Food Bank are encouraged. 

"As well as giving schools gift cards for some of their families in need," Winter added. 

The Elks recently donated $250 in gift cards to Parkside Elementary, Shortreed Community Elementary, Betty Gilbert, and Aldergrove Community Secondary schools to pass along to their families. 

The party returned last year after a one-year hiatus. 

This family event is presented by the Aldergrove Elks in association with the Royal Canadian Legion in Aldergrove.

It will be at the Aldergrove legion hall located on 26607 Fraser Hwy.

The non-profit organization works towards filling needs in the community, with a particular focus on helping children and families of children in need.

The community has come to eagerly anticipate the Elks annual kid’s Christmas party and subsequent Light-Up Christmas Parade that brightens up the downtown core, which takes place Saturday evening at 6 p.m.

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