By Laura Van Wert

Published: Tuesday, November 20, 2012, 8:56 p.m.
Updated: Thursday, November 22, 2012

Photos with Santa Claus and a toy donation will highlight Monday night's holiday celebration in Jefferson Hills.

The Jefferson Hills Public Library will hold the 11th annual Holiday Celebration on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the municipal building, 925 Old Clairton Road.

“It grows every year,” said Karen Green, who along with her husband, Mayor Michael Green, helps to plan the event.

Highlights of the event include lighting the 15 Christmas trees and decorations around the building; photographs with Santa Claus; story time with Mrs. Claus, refreshments and children's crafts. The event is open to the public and free.

Last year, about 200 children took photos with Santa.

“I just think it's something you can go to with your neighbors,” Karen Green said. “I expect to see a lot of new faces, too.”

The Greens spent about 30 hours decorating the municipal building for the event earlier this month. The decorations all are donations from residents and contributions from borough council, Karen Green said.

Likewise, the holiday celebration also is the first day that the Jefferson Hills police will accept donations for their sixth annual toy drive. Donations should be new toys in the original packaging, not gift wrapped, for children up to 10 years old.

Donations will be accepted until Dec. 9. The gifts will be distributed to families in mid-December, Karen Green said.

Those wanting to receive the donations should fill out a request form at the police department or call the mayor's hotline at 412-653-0979, Karen Green said. Recipients are not limited to Jefferson Hills residents.

“Jefferson Hills is always perceived as being more affluent ... but it has families that don't have the means,” Karen Green said. “Every kid should have Christmas.”

The toy drive helps an average of 60 children per year, Karen Green said.

Laura Van Wert is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-388-5814 or at lvanwert@tribweb.com.

1. NHL insider: Penguins’ Shero seems ready to move Letang
2. Pitt gets commits from QB, local RB
3. Pirates notebook: Beanballs escalate tension against Reds
4. Morton, quick start propel Pirates past Reds
5. Penguins notebook: Pens talking with Dupuis’ reps
6. Pirates announce signing of first-round pick McGuire
7. Reserve woman found shot to death in home
8. Former president of Derry Area Football Boosters Club charged with stealing $27,000 from group
9. Munhall police update abandoned-homes list
10. Pagan’s lawyer seeks info
11. Plan for loft apartments receives approval

There are currently no comments for this story.
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.