"The Creation Song"

The Eastern States Club is open to anyone who once lived in any state east of the Mississippi (except Ohio, Michigan and New England because they have their own clubs). We are part of Green Valley Recreation.

Every year, the club sponsors a turkey dinner and visit by Santa for the children from grades one through four from the St. Xavier Mission School. The school is located on the reservation by the same name.

Each member pays for one or more child(ren)'s meal and often adds an extra donation to help cover the cost of the gifts and an additional donation to the school. This year we donated $700.

With only a few exceptions, the children are Native American. This event is a special one for them. The teachers have told us they look forward to it all year. Many of them get all dressed up in their finest clothes (especially the girls). They are beautiful children.

After dinner, they put on a production for us. This year was the story of the creation (the blip is of them singing The Creation Song) and the birth of the baby Jesus.

See the creation posters and these little cherubs in large.

After they performed for us, Santa made an appearance and provided a gift to every child. Each child also gave their sponsor a handmade ornament and Christmas card.

Before they left, I gave my two little third graders big hugs. They will be back next year. As will I.