MUSCATINE, Iowa–During the holidays, people of all ages look forward to excellent meals, thoughtful gifts, and time spend relaxing away from the cares of everyday life. Since 2014, United Way of Muscatine has provided these experiences for Muscatine Community School District students through their annual holiday parities. For the first time this year, United Way hosted parties for high school students as well as junior high school students, spreading the joy of the holidays to even more young people.

For many years, United Way has collaborated with Geneva Country Club to make this event possible. On Dec. 6 for high school students and Dec. 7 for junior high school students, Geneva welcomed United Way’s guests in, serving them scrumptious holiday meals including fresh salads and rolls, ham, cooked carrots, mashed potatoes, and chocolate pudding with whipped cream made from scratch for dessert. “It is so wonderful–it’s such a great opportunity for them,” observed United Way of Muscatine Community Engagement Manager Hilary Henke, adding that high school counselor Troy Kulland had shared with her, “some of them had never even eaten at a restaurant before.”

Following the meal, each student received a gift, which a generous presenting sponsorship from Bayer of Muscatine and support from Community Bank and Trust helped pay for. Bayer of Muscatine also invited Santa Claus to come get photos with the students and to present them with goodie bags including a winter hat, snacks, and more fun items.

As students opened their gifts, finding presents chosen to meet their specific interests and likes inside, they shared what they enjoyed most about the experience. “I enjoyed all of it,” stated Emily Schubert, an eighth grader. “It was good, the food, the dessert, and all the people were really nice.”

Many other students shared Emily’s delight in the food. Eighth grader Jaylin Thorne chimed in the she most enjoyed, “the food, definitely the food,” elaborating that she particularly liked the chocolate pudding for dessert.

Sopheara Gonzales, another eighth grader also found the food and fellowship pleasing, saying she best liked, “mostly the food and talking to people.”

This year, 50 junior high school and 42 high school students, selected by the guidance counselors at their schools, participated in United Way’s holiday parties. The organizers found it touching just how much the students took away from the experience: “I love it. I think it is an opportunity a lot of our students would never have, and they’re so excited,” said Ali Clements, the eighth grade guidance counselor form Susan Clark Junior High School. “It’s good to see the community pull together for the kids at our school.”

“We are so grateful that Geneva was willing to extend it to 40 more kids this year, and we hope to keep it going for years to come,” added Henke.