For the third consecutive year, Teamsters Local 492 teamed up with the Spina Bifida Association of New Mexico and brought joy into the lives of New Mexico's disabled/disadvantaged youngsters.   In previous years (2003 & 2004) the Local Teamsters held toy drives and toys were distributed at Carrie Tingley Hospital and at the holiday parties held by SBANM.  This year Teamster's Local 492 not only held a toy drive they also stepped up to host the 2005  Teamster/SBANM Holiday Party for the children.  This was a tremendous undertaking which could not have been accomplished without the help of our local Teamsters, their families, and friends.

The Teamster Hall was decorated with garlands, lights, red bows, candy canes, balloons, and of course, Christmas trees (five to be exact!).  Volunteers spent tremendous amounts of time shopping, decorating, and raising funds, so the party would live on in the memories of these special children.

On December 17, 2005, at 7 pm families started to arrive at the luminaria-lined walkways of Teamsters Local 492.  The families were first treated to a wonderful traditional Christmas dinner - turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and all the trimmings.  There were also many desserts and two beautifully decorated sheet cakes.  All 150 attending ate their fill and families were sent home with the abundance of leftovers.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at about 8 pm.  Mr. & Mrs. Moises Ortega were missing during the Claus's appearance raising a few eyebrows and a few suspicions that Santa and Mrs. Claus may have had some helpers on that busy night.  As the children lined up to talk to Santa, the "Elves" scurried to hand pick gifts for each child.  Another pair of elves took pictures of the children sitting on Santa's lap and being presented with their special gift.  Each child was given a copy of their picture with Santa in a holiday frame.  Santa's Workshop was a flurry of activity as volunteers toiled to chose the right gift for each child.  This was a monumental task as the children had to be assessed for physical and emotional condition so appropriate toys could be given.  By the end of the night someone had altered the "Santa's Workshop" sign to read "Santa's Sweatshop."  In fact, the elves (who's names are not being released at this time) are currently seeking Teamster representation!!  (just kidding)

A live DJ volunteered his time and equipment to entertain all ages with a great variety of music from Christmas to rock, hip-hop, blues, and R & B.  The Teamster hall was rockin'!  BB the Clown was also present and did face painting.  She did an awesome job working with the children telling stories as she went.  Children were transformed into spiderman, kittens, dinosaurs, princesses, and dragons.  Later in the evening the children played Bingo and won fantastic prizes.

The children attending ranged in age from one to nineteen.  One little boy arrived seated on a wheelchair with his newly cast (in red and green) legs in front of him.  Many families left with tears in their eyes as they thanked us for helping their children have a wonderful holiday.

Parents and volunteers agreed that this was the best Christmas Party ever thanks to Teamsters Local 492!  Many thanks also to the Spina Bifida Association of New Mexico, the Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation, Rudy's BBQ, and UPS.  Additional thanks to Robert Younger, Moises and Laura Ortega, Deb Younger, Amy Kosicin, Lawrence Aguilar, Ben Owens, and Tammy Quinn.