BRADENTON BEACH – Santa, Rudolph the female reindeer and Tommy the Moose were on hand for the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge’s drive-thru Christmas party.
From 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, Moose Lodge #2188 volunteers handed out gift bags to youngsters in the drive-thru line. Many left their vehicles long enough to have a quick photo taken with Santa, Rudolph and Tommy.
As they did for Halloween, the Women of the Moose organized the drive-thru Christmas party using safety precautions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Women of the Moose put together some little to-go packages for the kids for Christmas. We are doing a drive-thru Christmas exchange. All the kids get an oversized (stuffed) Tommy the Moose and a candy cane full of candy. We’d be having a party, but unfortunately, we just can’t,” Women of the Moose member Bonnie Dubin said.
“We’re trying to make everyone safe and happy. We want the community to know we’re here to support children, elders and people of all ages,” Women of the Moose member Sherry Fragapane added.
“The Women of the Moose and Tommy, Santa Claus and Rudolph got together to greet the children of our community and show our Christmas spirit. Santa is a member of the Moose. So is Rudolph,” Lodge Administrator Byron Dalton said.
Dalton said the gift bags were not limited to relatives of Moose members and were given to all in the drive-thru line.
“This is for anyone in our community. Merry Christmas to all,” Dalton said.
Kaz Funtal arrived with his grandfather, Joe Funtal.
While Kaz posed for a photo, Joe Funtal said, “What the Moose is doing is great. They did this for Halloween and they’re doing it for the kids for Christmas. With all this stuff going on right now, it’s great that the kids get some resemblance of normality. We really appreciate what the Moose is doing for them. It’s a great organization and this is a great spot here on the Island.”
When asked how they planned to spend the rest of the day, Funtal said, “Kaz wants to come over to our house and hang out with grandma and Pap-Pap, which means all the cookies and candy he can eat.”
Longboat Key residents and Moose members Eugene and Jessica Nock brought their youngsters to the drive-thru party.
“I think the Moose Lodge here on Anna Maria Island is one of the best in the United States. We have a beautiful view here on the Gulf of Mexico. The members are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet and we’re always welcoming new people from around the United States who come to visit us. The members are very civic-minded here and the Lodge gives back during Christmas, Halloween and Easter,” Eugene Nock said.
“We’re so appreciative to our Moose Lodge for having this wonderful event for our children to enjoy,” Jessica Nock added.
