Student Santas group plans large-scale Christmas feast

A local organization is planning Christmas dinner for 400 people.

Jennifer Icaza-Gast, founder of Student Santas, said her organization will serve a meal from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 25 at the Central Junior High School cafeteria.

The meal is free, but tickets -- available through Dec. 19 at Franklin and Jefferson elementary schools -- are required, Icaza-Gast said.

Isle Casino Cape Girardeau is donating meat for the event, Ryan's steakhouse is contributing vegetables, rolls and desserts, and at least 50 volunteers are providing elbow grease, she said.

"I have found so many people are wanting to partake on Christmas Day in serving people," Icaza-Gast said.

Entire families have signed up to volunteer, she said.

"I just think that's amazing. ... That's what Christmas is all about," Icaza-Gast said.

Santa will make an appearance at the event, and each child in attendance will receive a gift bag, Icaza-Gast said.

Student Santas began as an extra-credit project in a class Icaza-Gast was teaching at Southeast Missouri State University, she said. She offered bonus points to students who brought toys to give to needy children.

Now in its 10th year, Student Santas has grown into a community organization that has served about 15,000 children, Icaza-Gast said.

Anyone who needs help can send a letter to Student Santas, and anyone who would like to adopt a family in need can contact Icaza-Gast to request a letter, she said.

Student Santas go Christmas shopping for families and deliver the gifts themselves, Icaza-Gast said.

Unlike other organizations, Student Santas has no deadline for requests for assistance, she said.

"I can't stand the thought of a child going into their living room and expecting that Santa has been there, and there is nothing," Icaza-Gast said. "What do you tell your child? ... I know Santa Claus isn't the reason we celebrate Christmas, but to a 5-year-old, it kind of is. They want a gift."

epriddy@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

205 Caruthers Ave., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

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Free dinner

What: Christmas dinner

When: Noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 25

Where: Central Junior High School

Cost: Free, but tickets -- available through Friday at Franklin and Jefferson elementary schools -- are required

For more: Email jenndgast@hotmail.com or send donations or requests for assistance to Student Santas, P.O. Box 641, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702