Olsen Christmas Wish offers happy holidays to hundreds of Monroe County children

Dozens of good little girls and boys got an early visit from Old Saint Nick — along with a big batch of gifts — at the Stroudsmoor Country Inn Wednesday evening thanks to the efforts of Olsen Christmas Wish.

Started in 2006 by Detective Chris Shelly to benefit the family of a fallen Stroud Area Regional Police officer, the organization has expanded its reach over the years to provide a Merry Christmas to families across the Poconos through donations and sponsorships from the community.

"One of our own officers took his own life 15 years ago, and we started a benefit to help his children for college. We reached our goal for that," SARP Sergeant Thomas Lemond said. "Then we ran into one family that needed a Christmas; they weren't going to have a good Christmas. So we helped that one family, and then from that year on, it turned into helping a lot of families, up to this year, which is over 200 kids that we're helping have a good Christmas."

All of those children in attendance appeared enthralled with the decorations, delicious buffet, s'mores bar, and, of course, the piles of presents spread across the Stroudsmoor's Ridgecrest Building.

But before they could dig into those gifts, everyone was welcomed to come outside and see Santa arrive in style via limousine — after all, those reindeer need a rest before Saturday night — escorted by a SARP patrol vehicle.

Dozens of children crowded around, singing "Jingle Bells" to welcome Father Christmas to the celebration as he pulled up. Santa gladly welcomed the little ones, providing hugs and photos as he made his way indoors to hear what everyone wanted for the holiday.

Charlotte Suydam, who brought her four children from Tobyhanna, was all smiles as the kids excitedly opened gifts and played around with their brand toys.

On Donner and Blitzen:Santa's reindeer cleared for takeoff despite wild winter weather in Poconos

"They're really blown away," Suydam said. "I just made it a Christmas surprise for them, and I told them we're going to a Christmas event. And they're just blown away, especially with Santa coming out of the limo and the police car bringing him in. They're like, 'Oh my god, it's really cool!"

Suydam's 9-year-old son Gabriel, was particularly pleased with his new bike, excitedly testing it in the dining room with his siblings as other children opened their own gifts.

"I felt really happy," Gabriel said with a big smile. "I put it on my list, and I was like, 'I hope I get new one.' It's really cool and I like it."

Kelly Quaresimo, owner of Rudy's Taven in East Stroudsburg, has been a part of the celebration for years, raising funding and providing assistance for the big get-together that brings so many smiles to children across the Poconos.

"We get most of our families in Monroe County, or local families that contact us through Facebook," Quaresimo said. "Sometimes they get recommended, whether it's from the police department, or other agencies, local agencies like Women's Resources, Children and Youth (Services), schools also have kids that they'll recommend."

Realtor Kirsten VanFleet said her Keller Williams Real Estate office in Stroudsburg, was overjoyed to be finally attend the big event, though her office has played a strong part in fundraising Olsen Christmas Wish for years.

"We raised a bunch of money for the event with different fundraisers and reaching out to our client base and auctions and fun stuff," VanFleet said. "I contribute every year and I donate and I raise money, but I've never been able to actually be here, and to come out and to see this all happening… It's amazing. It's amazing."

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono helped foot the bill for the venue and food, offering up a fun and festive atmosphere for a holiday dinner and plenty of presents.

Toys for Joy'A Visit from St. Nicholas': Twas the night before Christmas

"I gotta tell you, I don't know who's even more excited for Santa — it could be all these kids or it actually can be this big kid right here," LVH-Pocono Director of Pubic Safety Troy Serfass said to the crowded dining room. "I just want to tell you that we love you. We care about you. And we couldn't do this without all the community support all the small businesses, all the other kids that are here that really pitched together."

With fun Christmas tunes playing throughout the evening, a visit from Santa, and a spectacular selection of gifts sourced from the efforts of Olsen Christmas Wish, dozens of families were able to have a magical holiday, warming the hearts of all who joined in on the fun and festivities.

"It's awesome to be part of," Quaresimo said "I mean, we really are very lucky, you know, to be able to provide this to our area, and it's a much needed thing in this in this area. You don't realize how many kids are in need, and families are in need. So we're able to provide that, provide them a Christmas that they wouldn't normally have."

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Poconos kids have a happy holiday thanks to Olsen Christmas Wish