The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence was glowing with holiday spirit at our Christmas party—an evening created entirely for our kids to feel celebrated and cared for. With more than 600 kids filling the Club with laughter and excitement, the night was full of festive fun and unforgettable moments. It was the kind of celebration that lets childhood shine: big smiles, bright energy, and the simple, powerful feeling of belonging.
1,000+ Gifts Donated, Each One Wrapped with Love 🎁
One of the most incredible parts of the night was knowing that this celebration was powered by community generosity. Thanks to donors who showed up in a big way, more than 1,000 gifts were donated for our kids—and every single one helped create a moment of pure excitement.
And long before the party began, the magic was already in motion. At our Christmas Wrapping Party, volunteers from our corporate sponsors came together at the Club to wrap all of the gifts for our kids. It was filled with holiday spirit, teamwork, and so much care—turning stacks of presents into something even more meaningful: gifts truly wrapped with love.
To keep the magic going at our Christmas party—and make sure it reached every child—gifts were handed out by not one, but two Santas, keeping the joy moving and the smiles coming. The outpouring of support behind this celebration is astounding—but what it represents is even more powerful. Every gift was a reminder to a child that they are thought of and cared about. As presents were handed out, the reactions told the story better than words ever could: huge smiles, surprised gasps, proud little grins, and kids hugging their gifts close before even opening them.
A Warm Christmas Dinner from Tuscan Kitchen
A holiday celebration feels even more meaningful when it includes comfort and care, and we were honored to have Tuscan Kitchen prepare our Christmas dinner right in our Club’s kitchen, adding warmth to an already unforgettable night.
It was one of those details that made the celebration even more special—care you can taste, and a reminder that the holidays are about more than what’s under the tree. They’re also about being nourished, welcomed, and included.
The Heart of the Night
Yes, this party was festive. Yes, it was fun. But most of all, it was meaningful. It was a night where our kids felt what they deserve to feel—joy, belonging, and the steady support of a community that believes in them.
The true magic wasn’t only in the gifts or the decorations. It was in the atmosphere created by generosity and care—an evening that reminded our kids they are surrounded by people who believe in them, show up for them, and are committed to their bright futures.
Thank You for Making It Happen 💙
To everyone who donated gifts, supported this celebration, and volunteered their time to help the night run smoothly—including members of our Board and employees from longtime supporters, companies, and donors—thank you. You filled our Club with holiday spirit, made sure our kids felt special from start to finish, and helped create a memory that will last far beyond the season.
Because of you, hundreds of kids left that night feeling celebrated, supported, and proud to be part of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence.
It was the perfect way to close out the year—filled with joy, generosity, and community—and we’re heading into the new year inspired to keep creating moments like this for our kids.