Sun Brighten Christmas for 500 local children

The Connecticut Sun brought holiday cheer to nearly 500 local children and their families at the 16th Annual Kidsï¿½ Christmas Party, held this year at Norwich Free Academy on Dec. 17th. Sun head coach Mike Thibault, assistant coach Scott Hawk, members of the Solar Power Dance Team and Sun mascot Blaze played Santaï¿½s helpers, passing out gifts that were donated by the Sun, Kidsï¿½ Christmas and the general public.

ï¿½This was a wonderful event,ï¿½ Thibault said. ï¿½It was great to see 500 kids have a great time. This party had everything a kid would want to have a fun Christmas party.ï¿½

This Kidsï¿½ Christmas Party was the largest ever, and featured face painters, balloon artists, arts and crafts, and, of course, Santa Claus. The Sun staff worked as volunteers for the event, making cotton candy and popcorn and helping the kids create holiday decorations.

Founded by Liz Hall, Kidsï¿½ Christmas is a non-profit organization providing gifts to under-privileged children within New London County.

ï¿½I was very happy with this yearï¿½s Christmas party,ï¿½ Hall said. ï¿½There were so many people who helped out. Dominoï¿½s donated pizzas, a local church donated food, and there were so many volunteers who helped out. It was a great event. I knew (this party) would help these kids out.ï¿½