Noon Kiwanis Club provides more than 500 gifts for QPS first graders

December 10, 2024 | By Emma Dalke, MRN Content Creator

First graders at Lincoln-Douglas Elementary School listen to Santa Claus — Photo by Emma Dalke

QUINCY — The Quincy Noon Kiwanis brought a gift to every first grader in QPS. Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch made an appearance at all five elementary schools in the district.

“It’s important for the success of our schools to have community partners such as the Kiwanis,” said Superintendent Todd Pettit.

Children at Lincoln-Douglas hug Trenton Murfin, the Grinch

The Kiwanis organization has shoppers, gift wrappers and volunteers who deliver the gifts to the schools. This tradition has been going on for about 30 years.

“We have been doing this as long as anyone in the Kiwanis Club can remember,” said President of Noon Kiwanis, Chris Wiemelt. “It’s just nice to know that every first grader in Quincy public school district gets a nice gift, gets to see Santa and Mrs. Claus and the Grinch is always a hit, but it’s an experience that not all kids might be able to have throughout the Christmas season. It’s just a nice way to make sure everybody gets a little Christmas cheer.”

Children at Lincoln-Douglas being surprised by the Grinch

The Grinch was a recent addition to the holiday surprise for the kids. Trenton Murfin said it is important to give the children a good memory of the holiday season.

“We realize that not every kid has that at home,” said Murfin. “This gives them some excitement for the holiday season.”

Every first grader in Quincy Public Schools received a gift and a visit from Santa. The Kiwanis Club plans to keep this tradition alive for years to come.