Brunch With Santa at VFW Delights Kids

By MADDY VITALE Saint Nick is a bit busy these days getting ready for Christmas, but not too busy to make a stop in Sea Isle City at VFW Post 1963 on Sunday for Brunch with Santa. After all, the big fellow himself has made it a point to visit with the children there for at least 15 years. Parents and their children enjoyed a breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon and juice, among other tasty treats, while awaiting Santa’s grand arrival. Not to mention the toy giveaway that added to the excitement at the VFW post headquarters. Nicole and Bryan Strohl, of Denver, Pa., and their children Kellen, 7, and Owen, 5, enjoy breakfast with grandparents, Bonnie and Jim Strohl. Nicole and Bryan Strohl and their sons, Kellen, 7, and 5-year-old Owen, along with the kids’ grandparents, Bonnie and Jim Strohl, all from Denver, Pa., with a vacation home in Sea Isle, enjoyed breakfast. “I love the pancakes!” Kellen exclaimed. “I can’t wait for Santa!” added Owen. And about 20 minutes later, the Strohl boys and the many other children at the brunch got their wish. Santa came in with a “Ho-Ho-Ho." He waved at the kids and took his seat near a Christmas tree decorated with bright lights and ornaments, not to mention all of the wrapped gifts below. Paul Black, 5, of Ocean View, has some gift requests. The time had come for what the children were waiting for. Their names were called one by one for a seat on Santa’s lap to tell him what they wished for and to receive a present. The event, sponsored by the VFW Post 1963 in cooperation with Sea Isle City's Recreation Office, has grown over the years. Post 1963 Commander Mark Lloyd explained the importance of the breakfast and giving back. “This is what the VFW is about, supporting active-duty military and veterans and our community,” Lloyd said. “We are proud to do this brunch every year. It brings a lot of joy to the children.” Grace Hensel, 8, of Springfield, Pa., foreground, and her 6-year-old twin sisters Elizabeth and Maeve are all smiles. Lloyd’s wife, VFW Post 1963 Auxiliary President Patti Lloyd, really got into the spirit of the holiday and spoke about the “helper elves.” “All of the helper elves are doing a wonderful job and all of the children should be getting presents under their tree because they have been so good,” she said with a smile. Maeve and Elizabeth Hensel, who are 6-year-old twins, and their big sister, Grace, 8, of Springfield, Pa., couldn’t wait to have their turn telling Santa how good they have been all year. Their grandparents, Lee and Jim Tobin, of Sea Isle, said the brunch with Santa is always a big treat for the kids. “They just love it,” Lee Tobin said. “We come every year.” Post Commander Mark Lloyd and Auxiliary President Patti Lloyd call the event important to the community. Sis Borden, of Sea Isle, with her great-granddaughter Charlotte Greto.