By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
The Maspeth Lions Club held its annual Christmas party on Saturday, spreading holiday cheer to up to 100 underprivileged children from the local community. The event, which has been a long-standing tradition, aims to bring joy to children who might otherwise go without presents during the holiday season.
Joe Papavero, a past president of the Maspeth Lions Club, explained the significance of the event and the club’s mission.
“The Maspeth Lions Club is part of Lions Club International, the largest service organization in the world,” Papavero said. “We’re located in every community around the globe, and we step in to help when disasters strike, such as hurricanes or tsunamis. But locally, we help our own community, especially during the holiday season.”
Founded over 40 years ago, the Maspeth Lions Club is known for its commitment to serving those in need, particularly children. Papavero emphasized the importance of this particular holiday themed event.
“Every year, we host a Christmas party for needy children, and through partnerships with organizations like St. Vincent de Paul and local homeless services, we ensure we reach children who might not otherwise experience the joy of the holiday season.”
The event included a magic show, entertainment from a clown, and plenty of snacks, including pizza, chocolate, and popcorn. But the highlight for many was the gift-giving at the end.
“We provide each child with five to six toys, carefully selected based on their age and gender,” Papavero said. “Each child gets a personalized bag, and at the end of the party, Santa Claus himself hands out the gifts to the children by name.”
For Papavero and the other Lions Club members, the event is a way of giving back to the community.
“It’s important for these kids to experience the magic of Christmas in some way,” he said.
Papavero shared a touching memory from about 10 years ago that highlighted the lasting impact of the Maspeth Lions Club’s Christmas party. He recalled an event when a woman, carrying five garbage bags full of toys, approached him. She explained that she had attended the same Lions Club Christmas party as a child, during difficult times when her family struggled. Her father was an alcoholic, and the party provided her with happy memories and gifts during those challenging years.
Now, as a mother, she wanted to show her own children what the party had meant to her and give back to the community in gratitude for the support she had received.
“It was one of the biggest give-backs to me as a person,” Papavero said.
Papavero reflected on the impact it has on the children and the volunteers alike.
“It’s all about giving back,” he said. “It’s such a rewarding feeling to see the kids’ faces light up. They’re in awe of the magician and the magic of the season. It’s a reminder of how fortunate we are and how much we can do to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Photos Courtesy of Robi Carrasco
