For the 81st straight year, the Bradford Kiwanis Club held its Christmas party for the children of Beacon Light at the school in Custer City.

Dozens of Beacon Light clients gathered in the school’s gymnasium to watch a Christmas skit put on by a group of students. Then, members of the Kiwanis Club, accompanied by Beacon Light staff and board members, distributed gifts from under the tree to all of the children in attendance. Every child received a gift.

“This tradition is so valuable because for many of these children this may be the only gifts they ever receive,” said Michele Kicior, director of residential services. “But if nothing else, it shows these kids the amount of love and support that exists for them from these Kiwanis and the belief in them that they can grow and change and become good, productive members of society themselves.”

Kicior said perhaps they, too, will be able to give back to another child in need somebody.

After the gifts were unwrapped, the children were treated to a variety of cookies, vegetables and punch.