February 22, 2025
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‘Sandwiches with Santa’ a hit at Whiteside County Senior Center

By Alex T. Paschal
Riley Goodell, 2, is still a little unsure about the bearded man from the North Pole while visiting the Whiteside County Senior Center Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024.

Riley Goodell, 2, is still a little unsure about the bearded man from the North Pole on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. while visiting the Whiteside County Senior Center in Sterling. (Alex T. Paschal)

STERLING – Families enjoyed a night of fun Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Whiteside County Senior Center for its first-ever Sandwiches with Santa.

The center offered food and activities such as decorating cookies and writing letters to Santa. The North Pole superstar was on hand to take requests and pictures along with his nemesis the Grinch, who sat nearby and growled at passing kids.

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Everson Ward, 5, of Sterling excitedly hugs Santa Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, during the Whiteside County Senior Center’s Sandwiches with Santa event. Kids and families had a chance to have a meal, visit Santa and enjoy a number of activities.

Everson Ward, 5, of Sterling excitedly hugs Santa Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, during the Whiteside County Senior Center’s Sandwiches with Santa event. Kids and families had a chance to have a meal, visit Santa and enjoy a number of activities. (Alex T. Paschal)

Making reindeer food, a delicious concoction of oatmeal and glitter, was also an option along with sprucing up one’s face with some painted decor.

Deemed a success, the event saw about 200 kids and parents visit the center.

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Alex Paschal

Alex T. Paschal

Photojournalist/columnist for Sauk Valley Media