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Giving The Gift Of A Smile

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 19, 2007

DOWNTOWN - Natalia Pablo-Apreza sat quietly at her table in the St. Pete Times Forum restaurant, the downtown high-rises standing tall behind her through the windows.

The West Tampa Elementary first-grader had asked Santa for Play-Doh and "a dolly with a little house."

After finishing her hamburger and watching Santa talk with the 140 students who had gathered for the Dec. 12 party, Natalia looked at Pat Hill, a Kiwanis Club of Tampa member who had big gift bags hanging from each arm.

Politely peeking through the tissue paper, she was excited to see a new outfit, giggled when she opened the Hannah Montana doll and checked out the craft supplies. But when she came to the bag filled with a variety of Play-Doh, she only needed to tear it half way before clutching it to her chest and beaming.

If the man in red came by her table, she said she would tell him, "Thank you."

The Kiwanis Club has thrown its annual holiday party for 66 years. It started as a way to cheer up students whose parents were serving in World War II. The schools now are chosen based on the percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. This year, students from 35 Hillsborough County schools were invited.

Each member is asked to spend at least $50 and is paired with a student chosen by guidance counselors and social workers. This year's group included students in foster care, some whose siblings or parents have died or are struggling with illness, and one whose mother is serving in the military in Kuwait.

"For a lot of these kids, this may be the only thing they get for Christmas," program co-chairwoman Marilaine Sheldon said. "It's touching when you see them ask for socks and shoes."

Mark Carron has been a club member for more than 20 years. He bought a radio-controlled truck and a book about the universe for Albert Johnson, a fourth-grader at Witter Elementary in North Tampa.

"I don't come to many meetings, but I never miss this," said Carron, choking up with emotion. "I never miss this."

IF YOU GO

The Kiwanis Club of Tampa meets from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays at the St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive. For information, call (813) 287-2669 or go to www.TampaKiwanis.com or www.myspace.com/Kiwanis Club.

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 835-2114 or jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com.

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