Linkville Kiwanis Brings Joy of the Season to Children

Leo Daniels prepares to load a Hot Wheels car onto his new double-ramped track at Conger Elementary School. (Submitted Photo)

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Before Santa arrived in his Conger Elementary School classroom Tuesday, Leo Daniels was vacuuming the room’s carpeting. Little did the second grader know that a big surprise was awaiting him and his peers.

Santa arrived in a navy blue pick up and children who were outside ecstatically yelled out to him. His appointed rounds only included Cindy Quick’s class for students with special needs, but his presence created a buzz throughout the school.

The jolly senior citizen had the support of the Linkville Kiwanis Club in ensuring the children received gifts from their wish lists.

Sandy Handsaker assured Daniels had a toy he would enjoy. “The list said Hot Wheels tracks with ramps. I saw this one had two and knew it was going to be a hit,” she said.

It was. An adult put the toy together and Daniels had the joy of launching two cars simultaneously up the ramps and knocking plastic targets off the back of the structure. He wasn’t the only student excited about Santa’s visit and the toys delivered. Each child received a gift list and the Kiwanians delighted in the happiness of the children.

Linkville Kiwanis has sponsored a Christmas celebration for children with special needs for more than 40 years. Last year member Diana Otero worked to move the party to Conger and Stearns elementary schools, where the children attend. Her husband, Jay, told her that transporting the students to the Klamath County Fairgrounds in previous years was an extra expense to the school districts’ budgets.

Change was part of this year’s activities, too. The Hosanna Key Club, which is sponsored by Linkville Kiwanis, had members go to both schools to help decorate the classrooms last week and handed Santa the presents for each child this week. Stearns’ party was held Wednesday.

About 30 children were served through this project. Kiwanis is an international service club that focuses on improving communities by helping children. Key Club is its high school youth organization.

Press release provided from Valeree Lane.