This past December 19, a great event took place in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago: the House of Santa Claus became true thanks to Most Reverend Bishop Jean Marie Roger Kozik! indeed, on that beautiful day, Fraternite Notre Dame was offering its grand Christmas Party.

This was the sixth annual edition, organized since the modest beginnings of the organization in Chicago, back in 1998.

Each year has seen a notable increase in the number of children, but this one broke all records: over 2,000 children served!

They all received a beautiful present, some sweets, a balloon made by an artist clown, and of course picture taking with Santa! Numerous local prominent figures came to help as volunteers, they did not hide their surprise when they saw such a large crowd.

Alderman Isaac Carothers (29th Ward); Alderman Emma Mitts (35th Ward); State Representative Deborah Graham; B. J. Walker from Mayor Daley's Office. Superintendent Tommie Johnson; Commissioner Frank Avila; several members of the Rotary Club of Chicago Northwest; Arturo Caban from Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation; Reverend Randall, Chaplain at John Stroger Hospital of Cook County; Reverend Gordon of the Pastoral Care at Loretto Hospital… They all worked hard and enthusiastically alongside with the Religious Priests, Friars and Nuns of Fraternite Notre Dame, because you had to act quickly in order to properly satisfy all these little hands.

there was a smile on every face, especially on those of our dear children, who could not believe their eyes to be attended and spoilt in such a way!