The third annual Christmas party at the Garden of Gethsemane Homeless Shelter was organized by Kiwanis Club of Covington’s assistant secretary Donna Sneed.

The Kiwanis Clubs of Covington and Conyers provided meals for more than 70 people, and they were served by Alcovy High School Key Club volunteers.

The Eastside Key Club presented holiday entertainment featuring Christmas classics, and many attendees played Bingo. Alcovy Key Club members read "Twas The Night Before Christmas," and the highlight of the night was the appearance of Santa.

Children of all ages snapped photos with Santa, and toys donated by Kohl’s department store were handed out.

Sneed said that she couldn’t have put this gathering together without help from individuals and organizations throughout the community. She thanked The Kiwanis Club of Conyers, Jim Williamson from Plain Nuts, Wayne Chase from We Care for All in Hampton, Key Club members from local high schools, Kohl’s department store, and all other contributors.

Sneed said she will continue this annual tradition because it demonstrates that giving is better than receiving.