Area children get free breakfast

Dec. 19—Joseph Harrington wanted to keep a family tradition going.

Harrington brought his children to the Alpha Phi Alpha Santa Claus Breakfast when they were little. On Saturday, he brought his grandchildren.

The fraternity renewed the annual event after a three-year hiatus because of COVID.

Harrington, who attended the event at the Muskogee High School cafeteria along with his wife Toni and three of his grandchildren, wanted to keep the family interest going.

"I brought their mom to this when it was at Holiday Inn," Harrington said. "These kids need to see something they can look up to. These gentlemen give our community something they can look forward to."

The first breakfast began in 1995 and ran continuously until 2020. McDonald's Restaurant provided the food and drinks for the attendees.

Gail Chirnside, area supervisor with McDonald's, has been taking part in the breakfast since 2006.

"It's community and the joy on their faces," she said. "There's singing and it's just the joy of the Christmas spirit."

The morning began with a prayer from the Rev. Steven Wiley and then two songs from the Central Missionary Baptist Church Youth choir.

After a brief welcome from Alpha Phi Alpha chapter president Doyle Rowland, Rev. Michael Brackeen led the gathered in a breakfast prayer before food was served.

Rowland said he wasn't sure how many would be at this year's breakfast.

"We sent flyers to all the schools," he said. "In the past we've had upwards of 250-300 people. We're grateful that the high school has let us use the cafeteria.

"We're just glad we're able to renew this tradition after a three-year absence."

Lynn Jamison was there with his son Will and said his son was more excited that he was to be there.

"He got a flyer from school," he said. "He's real excited to come and loves to be around people.