Wearing festive smiles, a group of friends enjoys a holiday pancake breakfast Saturday, December 3 at a Gulfport Lions Club fundraiser for the Christmas Toy Shop, a program that provides needy families with gifts for their children. Clockwise from left front are Jack Festa, Helen Allard, Wanda Denson, Mary Bender and Sarah Pope.
“We come all the time because we love the food and the price is right,” Festa said of the club’s regular pancake breakfasts.
“And to donate to the kids,” added Allard. The five friends live at the Lutheran Residences apartments for seniors in South Pasadena. Jean Beum of St. Petersburg, a Lions Club director who was volunteering at the breakfast, explained that local schools contact families who are eligible for the program and give the club the names of those who express interest. In mid December the families are invited to view the toys and select two for each child.