Santa always makes time for these special children

The smiles say it all.

The annual holiday party for Akron Children’s Craniofacial Clinic Parent Network brought lots of good cheer for nearly 200 patients and their parents and siblings last Friday evening.

The kids enjoyed a magician, crafts, a pizza dinner and the ever-popular giant parachute that inspires seemingly endless bursts of competitive energy.

A balloon artist crafted candy canes, Santa beards and reindeer faces complete with red noses.

Face painting and other fun activities were provided by teens from the Lake YMCA, said Jeni Huth, clinical coordinator and party planner.

Santa Claus arrived in grand fashion with gifts for all the kids.

“This party is great for children and families to network and get to know one another,” said Huth. “I notice that parents of infants gravitate toward parents of toddlers. It’s a perfect support network.”

Huth said it’s also nice for patients and families to spend social time with their surgeons, nurses, speech therapists and other providers.

“As fun as this party is, it’s the friendships made here that make this event truly special,” said Huth.