On December 2nd, State Farm Agent Shannan Jursa hosted her 10th Annual Pictures with Santa community event. After three years of the event being semi-private, for such a big milestone Shannan wanted to not only re-open the event to the public but grow the event as well.
The event hosted many new faces, most of which were the 26 student volunteers of the JAG HS Interact Club and JAG MS Beta Club Members. The students created decorations and activities for the attending children. HS students volunteered for the duration of the event, and MS students were divided into two shifts.
“In our busiest year we saw 77 families in two hours. The following year attendance was half. I think parents had reservation about attending a second year in a row if the lines would be as long as the year prior. As we tried to accommodate the growing popularity of the event, we got hit with Covid. We were stuck rewriting the event again”.
For three years the event; which is a fundraiser for the Nelson Garrettsville Community Cupboard; was by appointment only. With the donation of a non-perishable food item, families receive free professional photographs with Santa. Planning to open it back up to the public on a first come first serve basis posed the question of how to keep the children entertained if there was ever a wait. After reaching out to local schools for volunteer support, Shannan was able to connect with JAG Schools.
“Some of the students who volunteered this year also attended as elementary students. It felt like I was coming full circle to have them volunteer and bring the same joy the experienced to the next generations. This year could not have been the success it weas without their assistance. The best feedback we received was on the activity stations. They left quite the impression on the community. I cannot thank them enough and hope they are planning next year, because I will be reach out again.”
