Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) Public Affairs Officer Jeffrey Prater acts as one of Santa’s many helpers at the 58th annual Children’s Christmas Party Dec. 10, 2008.

On Wednesday various tenant commands of the Naval Support Activity of Panama City (NSA PC) hosted a ‘Christmas Experience’ for Bay County children who, otherwise, may not receive one.

This event continues a 53-year tradition at the NSA PC.

Santa Claus arrived at the NSA PC Long Glass Conference Building to distribute gifts to the kiddos.

The Navy Base partnered with the Bay County School Board and community businesses this year to treat approximately 100 elementary school children to Christmas carols, games, live entertainment and a personal visit with good ole' St. Nick.

Each child received lunch, toys, clothes, socks, a gift certificate for shoes and food, plus a picture of him/her with Santa.

Each student is teamed with a Navy military or civilian volunteer who helps ensure the child has a safe and enjoyable time.

The Bay County School Board selects the participating elementary schools whose guidance counselors determines which children are in need of services.

The children are screened through the United Way to ensure there is no duplication of effort.

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Photo Caption:
Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) Public Affairs Officer Jeffrey Prater acts as one of Santa’s many helpers at the 58th annual Children’s Christmas Party Dec. 10, 2008. NSWC PCD and volunteers from several other Naval Support Activity Panama City tenant commands donate their time to raise funds so every year approximately 100 of Bay County’s children in need can enjoy a bountiful Christmas season. Prater, like many other Christmas Party Buddies, volunteered his time to chaperone four kids during the party’s festivities. Photo by Dan Broadstreet