The Daily Times

Santa and Mrs. Claus cordially invite all good little boys and girls to come and have breakfast with them Saturday at the Clayton Center for the Arts. Several reindeer, including Rudolph, will be ushering guests to their seats.

This is the fourth annual Santa Breakfast hosted by Junior Service League of Maryville to benefit Toys for Blount County, an annual toy drive that has collected Christmas gifts for Blount County’s children in need since 1972. JSL works year round to provide toys to more than 1,400 area children in need each year.

Kyndra Brewer, Major Fundraising cochair along with Andrea May, said, “Tickets are $15 for anyone 1 year old and older. Under 1 is free. This is a full breakfast provided by the Courtyard Grill, and that $15 includes a photo with Santa Claus. That also includes your entry into the Christmas Market so you can shop.”

The Christmas Market is made up of local vendors and artisans. Brewer said booth fees also benefit Toys for Blount County.

Guests may choose either an 8:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. seating. Mrs. Claus will also help children make a special Christmas craft.

Community support

Brewer said plans for this year’s breakfast began shortly after the previous year’s breakfast was held.

“We’ll go out and start soliciting sponsors for the next year, put together sponsor packages and sponsor letters,” she said. “We are very blessed that Foothills Bank & Trust has been our presenting sponsor for the last two years. By having their donation and their sponsorship, we are able to afford more toys for the families.”

Additional 2011 sponsors include Anderson Truss, Anderson Lumber, Midland Dry Cleaners, Chip Webb, DDS and Knoxville Pediatric Associates.

“I’d say at least 80 percent of the small businesses in Blount County support Toys for Blount County in some capacity,” Brewer said.

After hosting the breakfast for four years, JSL members know what to expect at the breakfast to help it run smoothly and make sure guests have the best experience possible. This year, for example, pictures with Santa are included in the price of the ticket.

“We felt that is another way for us to give back to our community, as well,” Kyndra said.

Last year, more than $12,000 was raised for Toys for Blount County.

“That is in part due to our sponsorship,” Brewer said. “They offset costs so we can make a profit.”

Magical time

More than 400 parents and children have attended the Santa Breakfast in the past. Brewer said, “It is truly a magical morning. Families and children are greeted by Rudolph and his fellow reindeer. They are our official greeters. Raggedy Ann walks around, and Mrs. Claus is there, too, accompanied by Santa Claus. You walk in and it’s kind of like Santa’s little village. It’s a lot of fun.”

Brewer said the breakfast is a wonderful way to support the community while at the same time experiencing the magic of Christmas. Her daughter, Macey, 5, is looking forward to the event.

“She loves it,” Brewer said. “Last year was the first year she had sat with Santa Claus since she was 9 months old, so it was a big moment in our house.”

Brewer described the breakfast as very family friendly.

“You can sit there and visit with your in-laws, your parents, your husband or wife, and your kids can run around,” she said. “They can go see Santa Claus, and if they forget to tell him something, they can go back up there. They can visit with the reindeer. They can run and go do the crafts.

“It’s a big celebration. This is something everybody needs to experience at least once.”

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