By Sarrah Peters
News Editor
About 175 students from Etowah County, Gadsden City and Attalla City schools recently participated in the 64th Annual Christmas Party for Exceptional Children.
On December 11, the students gathered in Gadsden Convention Hall for the Christmas festivities. The party is an annual event held for special needs children of local schools.
The party was started by the United Steel Workers of America AFL-CIO Local No. 12.
The Christmas party got its start with a group of Local No. 12 coworkers who wanted to do something for an employee’s child who had special needs. This act of kindness grew into an annual event for special needs throughout the county
This year marks the 64th year that the Local No. 12 has held the party.
As the party grew, the Etowah County School Special Education Department began to help with the organization of the event. The Local 12 members continue to fund the annual event.
At the party, the students enjoyed music, including live performances, and dancing. A lunch was provided for the attendees.
The Gadsden Dazzlers attended the event and danced with the students to popular songs. Students dressed as Rudolph, Frosty, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse interacted with the students and assisted with the party. The attendees even received a visit from Santa Claus himself.
The Etowah County Board of Education extended its thanks to United Steel Workers AFL-CIO Local No. 12 and the Etowah County Learning Center for making Christmas special for exceptional children.