Sitting for a first photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus is Alexander Spraggins, 11 months, with big brother Joseph Shorter, 13, providing moral support. Alexander seemed a little curious about the jolly old elf, but kept a stiff upper lip through the tradition that sometimes upsets youngsters that are usually wary of strangers. The boys were attending the Cookies with Claus event Saturday, a fundraiser for the West Plains Boys and Girls Club. Event contributors and volunteers included Ramey Supermarket, Sugar Lily Bakery and Floral, Sweet Temptations, Creative Cakes, and Rescue Church. Mayor Mike Topliff and wife Pam were also volunteers, representing the City of West Plains.
STAFF PHOTOS / KIMBERLY LANGSTON
Briar Russell, age 4, of Koshkonong, puts some thought and concentration into the sprinkles placed on his Christmas cookie, at Saturday's Cookies with the Claus event. The cookies were provided by Sugar Lily Bakery and Floral and the frosting and other toppings were provided by Ramey Supermarket. Formerly known as Breakfast with Santa, this year the event was hosted by the Greater West Plains Area Boys and Girls Club in partnership with Ozarks Healthcare Behavioral Health Center. The cost of admission covered children's games, crafts, and activities, plus Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand for those families that wanted professional photos.
STAFF PHOTOS / KIMBERLY LANGSTON
From left, West Plains twins Joseph and James Williams, age 5, took a moment between activities to pose with a giant gingerbread man at Cookies with the Claus Saturday during a day full of local holiday activities for children and families. About halfway through the event there had been about 120 participants, West Plains Boys and Girls Club Chief Executive Director Elizabeth Cawthon said, and they expected there to be around 350 total. The club partnered with Ozarks Healthcare Behavioral Health Center and was a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club, an organization dedicated to providing quality after school care and activities for local youth.
