Pancakes with Santa event makes students’ spirits bright

Students were merry and bright at McGregor Elementary on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the annual Pancakes with Santa event, where community partners came together with Springfield Public Schools to provide gifts — both practical and fun — to more than 50 families in need this holiday season. 

Hosted by the Omega Nu Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the event provided more than 50 families and 146 children with a pancake breakfast, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, face painting, games and a child-only toy raffle. Each student also received a new winter coat, a hat, gloves, socks, underwear, personal hygiene items, and a shoe and grocery gift card provided by Care to Learn. Plus, each family got a household cleaning kit.

A special thanks to all the partners who made this event possible: Alpha Kappa Alpha - Omega Nu Omega Chapter, Aramark, Care to Learn and Kingsway United Methodist Church.