Hundreds Celebrate, Donate Toys During Party at Timbers of Shorewood

Editor's note: The following is a press release from the Timbers of Shorewood.

The ninth annual “Santa and the Timbers’ Elves” holiday party Dec. 8 drew in a crowd of nearly 500 residents and members of the public at the Timbers of Shorewood retirement community, 1100 N. River Road.

Together they collected and donated more than 100 unwrapped toys for the Mark Staehely Pediatric Cancer Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for research into new treatments and cures for pediatric cancers.

The Timbers partnered with the Kiwanis Club of Shorewood to bring the favorite annual holiday festival to the community. Festivities included Santa Claus, who listened to children’s wishes and posed for photos.

“Families had a wonderful Saturday afternoon,” said Shelly Goggins, activities director at The Timbers. “There were treats, surprises and animals galore, including real reindeer from Summerfield Farms in Belvidere.”

Phil Nielson brought his draft horses for hay rack rides and Friendly Farms of DeKalb provided a petting zoo filled with lots of small animals — goats, chickens, sheep, etc. — for everyone to pet.

The Little People were also in attendance, along with Chuckles the clown, who entertained children. Cider, cookies and other refreshments were served, and children’s games were available. Dan Laib and Angel Contreras provided festival-goers with caricature sketches and Russ Schreck drew portraits.

A craft show with many homemade items was also on hand, provided by residents of Shorewood Glen.