MOUNT OLIVE (11/27/06) – Some 200 children and adults were on hand Sunday at the Budd Lake Firehouse to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to the third annual breakfast sponsored by the Mount Olive Kiwanis and the PNC Bank.

Children left with full tummies and arms filled with gifts from Santa. Later in the afternoon the Kiwanis had a record-setting opening day for the Santa House.

"We hope the children enjoy their gifts from Santa, and we hope the parents know that Santa brings other 'gifts' as well," said Kiwanis President Brian Siegelwax, "the proceeds from both the Santa Breakfast and The Santa House support worthy children’s’ causes in the community."

On Monday Santa and local and state officials and the Mount Olive Chamber of Commerce gathered for the grand re-opening of George’s marking more than two decades that the newly renovated George’s has been permitting community service organizations to operate the Santa House, including 18 years under the current ownership of Praful Patel.

"The Patel family is wonderful," chuckled Santa, "Every year I take photos with hundreds of children and their pets at the Santa House."

"This was a great opportunity tocongratualate an establsiheent that has abeen so bveneficial to Kiwanis and to the Community," added Councilmana Ray Perkins, who is also the Kiwanis Canta House Chairman, "we wish them great success in their renovated store."

The Kiwanis will continue to operate The Santa House, next to George's on the corner of Route 46 and Netcong Road in Budd Lake, on Saturdays and Sundays throughout December from 10 am to4 pm until Christmas. Children, pets, and people of all ages are welcome to have photos taken with Santa. Nonrefundable donations are $5 for 1 and $8 for 2. Nonperishable foods, toys, clothing, and other items for families in need in the community also are welcome and may be brought with you.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. To volunteer, to donate, or for more information, visit the Kiwanis Club of Mount Olive at www.mtolivekiwanis.org or call Club President Brian Siegelwax at 973-713-5839.