Santa Claus will make an early stop in Floral Park for a group of children who are usually "forgotten" during the holiday season. This special group of children, consisting of 120 girls and boys ranging in age from 5 to 14 years of age, are from the Queens Psychiatric Center in Bellerose. They will be accompanied by 60 staff members.

On Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Floral Park Masonic Lodge will host a holiday party for these "forgotten" children at the Floral Park Masonic Temple. Additional help will be given by members of America, Archimede Roma, Jamaica, Reliance, and Stewart Manor/St. Albans Lodges, and the Floral Park and Bayside O.E.S. chapters. Clowns who are Shriners will entertain the children. A magician will also perform magic tricks while the children feast on hamburgers, hot dogs and other goodies.

Nassau Charity Foundation president and event coordinator, Max Newman, remarked, "I get physically tired but my spirit is high geared to hear the laughter of the children. I am always asked how can you manage these 100 challenged children in one room at one time. And my reply is that this is an adventure for them. They are in anticipation of Santa Claus. And we Masonic volunteers are their Santa Claus. The thrill of receiving and giving is shared equally. The children's shouts of joy, their eager hands outstretched, their smiles - these actions melt our Masonic hearts and we blend together. When they leave with tummies full, pockets and arms overflowing with toys, we Masonic volunteers are tired but it feels as if we are floating on air."

Jeff Clark, chairman of the children's holiday party said, "The children enjoy being with us and receiving presents specially selected for them. I want to thank our supporters that include all the Masonic Lodges in the Nassau District, those lodges that meet in the Floral Park Temple and the local banks and merchants."

Ed Kaercher, Sr., co-chairman remarked, "It gives me a great feeling to help the children and see their smiles and hear the laughter of their excitement."

Dr. Warren Stanton, master of Floral Park Lodge says, "We have been informed by the director of the center that ours is the only local community organization that has reached out to these children. I am sure each child will enjoy the party and the gifts that Santa will present to them. The smiles on the children's faces will be their gifts to us.

"I wish to extend my sincere and heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors of our Floral Park community event. For without their concern and support, this special event could not be possible."

A basic teaching of Free Masonry is charity...the tradition of its members helping one another and humankind in general. American Masonic Philanthropy provides $1.5 million a day: $1/2 billion a year for charitable causes. This money supports scholarships, medical research, hospitals for crippled children, and facilities for those who have speech disorders or mental illness. The Shrine Masons (Shriners) run the largest network of hospitals for crippled children in the country...and there is never a charge for treatment. For further information, call 354-9534.