MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Saturday, December 15th Gaylord Mankowski hosted the 28th Annual Holiday Party for underprivileged youth in Okemos and Haslett.

The event is made possible through generous donations from the community, along with the efforts of volunteers, and the Meridian Township Police Department and Meridian Township Fire Department.

The event has become more and more successful every year, and was started to ensure that underprivileged children can experience the joy of the holiday season.

Mankowski said of the event, "For the next two hours these kids that will come are going to have a great time. For two hours today, they don't have to worry about any issues in the world."

This year, more than 180 children were in attendance for the afternoon of gifts, food, and music. They even had a visit from Santa, who arrived stylishly, in a firetruck.