Young foster children on the North Shore, along with members of their foster families – some 120 people in all -- will be enjoying a very festive Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. at the Beverly High School Field House (There will be no media access for photos during the party due to privacy concerns for the kids).

The Christmas for Kids Who Need It event is a continuing tradition that relies on the kindness of collaborating organizations that this year, includes All Saints, the Rotary Clubs of Salem, Marblehead, Beverly, Rockport, Peabody, Danvers,  Hamilton and Wenham along with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families,  and Beverly High School, which is donating space.

All Saints Episcopal Church of the North Shore -- formerly Calvary, Danvers, and St. Paul's Peabody -- launched this year's event preparation with a come-one, come-all gift wrapping party, at the 46 Cherry St. church on Thursday, Dec. 6, where more than 300 presents were wrapped. All Saints supplied the gift wrapping and the volunteers to help wrap, and its parishioners will be providing decorations and the refreshments for the party at the Beverly High School field house.

Donations for all the gifts are provided from grants by the Rotary Clubs of Salem, Marblehead, Beverly, Rockport, Peabody, Danvers, Hamilton and Wenham.

The Festive Christmas for North Shore foster and homeless children – who range in age from newborn to 12 – is “a really heartfelt, community collaboration,” says Henry Witham, an All Saints Episcopal Church parishioner, who is once again spearheading the church's participation in the event. The gift-giving initiative happens through an active partnership with Carla King, the Department of Children and Families’ recruiter and liaison for foster families. 

“It’s all about giving young children, who are going through a difficult time, a really special Christmasy day, full of good fun and yes, even Santa, who will be there to pose with children for a photo to take home, thanks to Elisabeth Neville Photography.

“We are so grateful to all the local organizations who are contributing what they can to make this event a big success,” says Witham.