BY SUMMER HAMPTON & JULIE B. MAGLIO
For over a decade, the Kiwanis Club of Weeki Wachee in collaboration with Fostering Hope Inc. has created holiday magic for foster children in Hernando County with its annual Polar Express event. Inspired by the beloved movie, this heartwarming celebration is a labor of love aimed at spreading holiday cheer and creating unforgettable memories for foster families.
This year, the Polar Express event will be held on Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pasco County Safety Town. The festive atmosphere will feature decorated trains and a transformed station, complete with a designated area for Santa and Mrs. Claus to greet children and hear their Christmas wishes.
The Polar Express event offers foster kids and their families a variety of fun-filled activities:
Games and Prizes: Children can participate in engaging games and win exciting prizes.
Arts and Crafts: The Weeki Wachee High School Key Club, proudly sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Weeki Wachee, helps run creative arts and crafts stations.
Bounce Houses: Kids can burn off some energy in on-site bounce houses.
Holiday Meals: Volunteers from the Kiwanis Club provide a hearty meal of hot dogs, chips, and drinks and more for everyone in attendance.
Gifts and Essentials: Thanks to contributions from the Brooksville Elks Lodge and Free Masons, foster children receive backpacks filled with school supplies, winter jackets, and free books.
This year’s event is set to host 120 foster children, nearing its capacity of 150 participants. According to Dennis Harmon, a 14-year veteran of the Kiwanis Club, the event has grown significantly since its inception, which drew around 60 attendees in the first year.
“Every year, our main goal is to bring joy to Hernando County’s foster kids and spread some good holiday cheer,” Harmon said.
The Kiwanis Club collaborates with Fostering Hope Florida, Inc., an organization dedicated to supporting foster children and families. This partnership ensures that eligible children are invited to the event and allows the club to make an even greater impact.
Fostering Hope Florida is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster children and their families. By providing resources, advocacy, and opportunities for connection, Fostering Hope aims to create stable and loving environments for children in need. Through community support, sponsorships, and volunteer efforts, the organization helps foster families thrive while making a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children.
“Fostering Hope Florida does incredible work for foster kids, and we are proud to partner with them every year,” said Jamie-Lynn Hamilton, president of the Kiwanis Club of Weeki Wachee.
This event is made possible through the tireless efforts of volunteers and the generosity of the community. The Kiwanis Club raises funds year-round through initiatives like their recent Bingo fundraiser, which brought in over $4,000 to support the Polar Express event and other child-focused causes.
“All of our funds go back into the community,” Harmon explained. “Every dime we raise helps support programs for kids, whether it’s buying Thanksgiving turkeys for families, donating to the Boys and Girls Club, or helping the Boy Scouts with their soapbox derby.”
The Polar Express event is a testament to the power of community spirit. Volunteers and donors are essential to making this magical day possible. For those interested in contributing, supplies and donations are currently being gathered for this year’s event.
To learn more or get involved, contact the Kiwanis Club of Weeki Wachee via their Facebook page at facebook.com/weekiwacheek, visit their website at https://k18271.site.kiwanis.org/ or call Dennis Harmon at 727-243-4084.
This holiday season, the Polar Express is more than just a story—it’s a reality for the foster children of Hernando County, thanks to the dedication and generosity of the Kiwanis Club and their supporters.
[Photo courtesy of Jamie-Lynn Hamilton]
