Editor’s note: In order to protect the identity of area foster children, none of their names have been used in this article.

The Greenville Kiwanis provided ten of the county’s foster children with a memorable holiday 2003 during the organization’s well-attended annual Christmas program on Tuesday, Dec. 23.

The Greenville YMCA meeting room was merrily decked out in Christmas red and green for the occasion and many of the youngsters being feted also wore their holiday best.

A traditional Christmas meal of turkey and dressing with all the trimmings (provided by Nanny’s Fine Dining) was served to those attending. Piles of presents underneath the tree awaited the arrival of Saint Nick.

Following the meal, Christmas Program Chair Susan Murphy introduced each of the foster children in attendance to the group before heralding the arrival of the Man in Red and White.

&uot;And here’s the ho-ho-ho man himself…welcome, Santa Claus,&uot; said Murphy said as cheers and applause erupted around the room for the jolly fat man.

Santa appeared to be in fine form, though he did admit he was &uot;pretty tired&uot; after his many appearances throughout Butler County this holiday season.

&uot;Now, y’all remember to put out some fried chicken out for Santa along with the cookies and milk tomorrow night,&uot; he reminded the children.

Saint Nick was able assisted by Susan Murphy and young Connor Murphy, daughter of Kiwanian Dr. Kathy Murphy, as he passed out the gifts to the excited youngsters.

Footballs, Barbie dolls, action figures and games of all sorts were among the goodies requested and received by the foster children, courtesy of the Greenville Kiwanis.

This year, the local Wal-Mart increased the shopping discount from 10% to 20% when it opened its doors early one morning to allow Kiwanis members to come and shop for this very special occasion.

&uot;We really appreciate Wal-Mart and manager Joe Massenelli for doing this for the Kiwanis. It helped these foster children have an even nicer Christmas,&uot; Butler County Department of Human Resources Manager Susan Sorrells recently noted.