Seven-year-old Isrrael Serrato gripped a green marker Wednesday morning, making sure each letter he wrote on the ceramic snowman’s stomach was just right: “I love you Santa.”
Isrrael and about 500 other kindergarten and first-grade students from three Denver elementary schools gathered at the Embassy Suites hotel in downtown Denver for a holiday party put on by Concerts for Kids.
The Denver nonprofit worked with the district to select Richard T. Castro Elementary School, Cheltenham Elementary School and Smith Renaissance School of the Arts, each of which has at least 95 percent of its students receiving free or reduced lunches, said Concerts for Kids executive director Rebecca Rallis.
Little ones filed into the hotel in vests and ties, black patent slippers and tulle dresses.
Although the third floor was taken over by arts and crafts, a magic show, face painting and a balloon artist, the kids could think of little else besides the big man in the red suit they knew they’d be meeting soon.
“It’s been a fun day. I got to see a magic show, and later I’m going to tell Santa I want a Nintendo DS,” said Isrrael, a student at Cheltenham Elementary.
Juliane Romero, 6, beamed after Rudolph was painted on her cheek. “Christmas is my favorite a lot. I’m most excited about seeing Santa because I’m going to tell him what I want for Christmas,” the Castro Elementary student said.
After visiting Santa, each kid received a red backpack full of books and toys.
“This may be the only Christmas they get,” said Concerts for Kids president Christie Isenberg.
She said the holiday event has been going on for three years with the help of volunteers and sponsors.
“The kids just have a ball,” she said. “They tell these great stories to their teachers when they come back about sharing the presents they get with their siblings and family members. It’s heartwarming.”
