Children & Santa Bring the Spirit of the Holidays to Ybor Square

Childish laughter and fun were the order of the day at the Annual Holiday Party for Children at the Church of Scientology of Tampa on Friday December the 9th. End Quote

Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL (1888PressRelease) December 17, 2011 - On Friday the 9th of December, the Church of Scientology of Tampa hosted more than 150 children and their parents for a Christmas party celebrating the spirit of the season.

Families served by the Children's Home of Tampa Bay and SMART Academy of Clearwater were the honored guests at the party.

Santa Claus was on hand to greet them as they arrived, and led the countdown to light up the large Christmas tree in the courtyard. Santa then invited everyone in to the chapel of the Church, where the kids and parents were entertained with the classic pulp fiction story "When Gilhooley Was In Flower" written by L. Ron Hubbard.

Following the show, kids met one on one with Santa, telling him what they wanted for Christmas and receiving a gift. Then it was off to the Church's Public Information Center, where refreshments were served, and parents, grandparents and children could pick out new tee shirts and other clothing items.

Children snacked on cookies and a Christmas cake and showed off their new gifts.

"You have to understand that this is as close to Christmas as some of these children will get this year," said Elena Chiancianessi, the Director of Special Affairs for the Church in Tampa. "I am so happy that we could help both the Children's Home and the SMART Academy in this way - every child should experience the magic of Christmas."

Chiancianessi said that the Church of Scientology is looking to partner with more groups in the community who serve children and families in need. The Church offers secular programs in tutoring, drug education and morals.

For more information, or to receive a tour of the facilities, please contact Elena or Ana at 813- 8720722

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