There were presents for kids.

A used clothing giveaway was held too.

Santa was even there to pose for photos.

It was all part of the Carbon County Christmas Palooza held Monday afternoon at the Carbon County Children and Youth building in Lehighton.

Rya Hartman brought her children to the event and said her family was grateful.

“They love the holidays, they love to see Santa,” Hartman said. “It’s just a time of joy for many.”

Her son, Thomas Woodby, 11, of Lehighton, said he feels like Christmas is a time for everyone to enjoy themselves.

Kevin Kline, Carbon County Children & Youth, County Caseworker III, said this was the second year for the event, but the first year they opened it up to the community.

Kline said they served about 25 families and over 60 children.

“When you look on social media and see the amount of people in need this year,” Kline said. “We really wanted to help as many families as we could; they need it, they appreciate it.”

In addition, there were food, snacks, popcorn, cotton candy, desserts, and drinks.

There was also a donation bin for Carbon County Animal Shelter and Friends of Animals.

Kline said the biggest sponsor of the event was Lehighton Ford, who added they supplied the food and gift cards to help purchase gifts for the kids.

He said the church council of the Lutheran Church of St. John’s in Jim Thorpe, the congregation of St. John’s with monetary and toy donations, the Sunday school department of St. John’s, Mason’s Cold Beer, the Mauch Chunk Rod and Gun Club, The Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, T.W. Cooper Insurance, and the Sokol Citizens Club of Nesquehoning.

Kline said they also invited Family Promise (the homeless shelter in Nesquehoning).

“They were very appreciative, and hopefully we were able to make those kids have a little better Christmas during a not so great time in their lives,” he said.