Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity does its part annually to bring Christmas cheer to Muskogee-area children by hosting the Santa Claus Breakfast.
This year’s event will be Saturday and again will be at the Muskogee High School cafeteria.
“This has been a huge success and we want to try to continue it,” said Doyle Rowland, a fraternity member. “It shows the kids the holiday spirit, and that’s something we all need. It’s also good for the community to help kids, because a lot of them don’t have a lot of joy, and Christmas time is a real downer for some. For myself and others, it’s truly a blessing to be able to put this on for the kids.”
Local McDonald’s restaurants, owned by Matt and Mary Baldwin, will provide the food for the breakfast. But, that won’t be the only thing to eat.
“We’re also going to have candy, treats and fruit,” said Rowland, a fraternity member since 1972.
He also estimates between 300 to 500 kids will attend the event.
“We’re going to give each of them something, even if it’s not more than a treat or a smile,” he said.
Entertainment will be provided as Edwina Warrior and singers from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center along with Marsha Newton of the Central Baptist Church Universal Choir.
“They’ll put on a good performance for the kids,” Rowland said. “They’re outstanding.”
And yes, Santa Claus will be at the breakfast, as well.
“He’ll bring a smile to the little kids’ faces, especially those who don’t get a chance to see Santa,” Rowland said.
The breakfast, he said, it’s not just about seeing Santa.
“We want to be able to bring a lot of cheer and show a lot of love,” Rowland said. “We also want to show the reason for the season, and that’s the birth of our Christ.”
James Willis is the president of the local Alpha Phi Alpha chapter.
