Members of the Presbyterian Church, family and friends helped make Christmas a bit more merry for 35 families. (Submitted photo)

The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Edwardsburg thanks in part to the Winter Wonderland Party put on by the Presbyterian Church Saturday.

Anderson and Tanda Stiffler helped Presbyterian Church members, personal friends and service organizations invite families to the American Legion Saturday for a pancake and sausage breakfast where children were able to pick out a toy of their choice.

Thirty-five families participated in the Winter Wonderland Party.

Each child also received a personal care bag with toiletries and either gloves or socks.

The children made a Christmas tree snowflake ornament with sparkly decorations.

“The event turned out as a huge success as 87 children were given gifts and 35 families came for the morning Christmas party,” Tanda Stiffler said. “This is the second year the party was given with the generous help of the Presbyterian Women’s Association, the Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus and numerous friends and family that helped make the party a success.”

Anderson, Stiffler and Seana Ziliak pulled a 14-hour shopping trip on Thanksgiving afternoon, beginning at 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 the following morning to get the best deals that “Black Friday” had to offer.

With limited funds, they wanted to make sure to get the most for their money.

“Volunteers came in numbers as 21 friends came on Saturday morning to enjoy being part of this party and taking in the smiling faces of the children and their parents,” Stiffler said. “Words and even prayers of appreciation were given to each and everyone of the volunteers from many families. It truly touched the volunteers’ hearts.

“With heartfelt thanks from the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate all who were part of this amazing party. It’s moments like this that we hold in our hearts to reach out and do wonderful things for each other. Our wish to all is a very merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.”