Santaland Brunch marks 30 years

NILES -- The annual Santaland Brunch has become a family tradition, bringing the holiday spirit to children and adults for three decades.

The event, sponsored by Vernon's Cafe and benefiting Niles Community Services, is marking its 30th anniversary of helping others in December.

The brunch originated with former Applewood Garden owners Phil and Sylvia Merlo, and Vernon and Janeen Cesta continued the tradition when purchasing Vernon's Cafe in 1994.

Held the first Sunday in December at the restaurant, 720 Youngstown Warren Road, Niles, the brunch will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. It will feature special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus, Santa's elves and friends as well as door prizes and raffles.

Both Janeen and Vernon said since the fundraiser became a staple in the community, they've noticed the different generations in attendance. The two said the people who used to attend the event as children are starting to bring their kids and grandkids to enjoy.

The brunch is even a family tradition for the Cestas, whose children were involved since the restaurant's inception but now are away at college.

Manager Dennis Huston said the brunch is a great opportunity for the restaurant and its employees to help local children. He said Vernon's Cafe is proud to have been a part of Santaland Brunch for so many years and the restaurant hopes to continue spreading joy for many more decades to come.

"It's a family tradition for (Janeen and Vernon) and the rest of us. Our families also come to the brunch -- kids and grandkids. It's a multigenerational event," Huston said.

The cost to attend is $14.95 for adults, $10.50 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for children 3 and younger. Reservations and payments are due Friday and can be made by calling the restaurant at 330-652-1381. Walk-ins are welcome; however, ticket prices increase to $16 for adults and $14 for children at the door.

The benefit helps raise money for needy families throughout Niles, McDonald and Weathersfield registered with NCS' holiday toy and food program at the agency.

NCS Director Jean Williams said as of mid-November, the agency had more than 600 families registered and it's still accepting delayed applications. She said close to 800 children were registered and all donations will stay within the communities the agency serves.

"We receive donations from all over," William said.

The Christmas toys and food program supplies care packages for families and gifts for children 13 and younger.

Williams said the brunch has always been a successful fundraiser for the agency's collection and distribution efforts.

"It's Vernon's generosity, though. We treasure the commitment and support of Janeen and Vernon. They're absolutely superb to work with," she said. "They're very much a part of the community and they help us give back to the community."

NCS serves the community year-round and has been doing so since 1923, feeding approximately 15,000 people each year. Throughout the year, it offers produce giveaways and collects from several local service projects.

Each spring, the Niles Post Office participates in its annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive campaign, a nationwide effort coordinated by the National Association of Letter Carriers and the U.S. Postal Service for the last 20 years. It is considered the largest one-day food drive in the United States.

The local post office collected nonperishable food donations from its customers for the effort, and the donated items then go directly to NCS for its food pantry. Williams said this was the 16th year the Niles Post Office letter carriers helped NCS by collecting items throughout the city.

She said food banks and pantries receive a majority of donations during the holidays and by springtime, those sources are depleted.

NCS also annually participates in Make A Difference Day by making grocery bags available for those who wish to fill the bags with donations of canned or boxed goods and nonperishables for the agency's pantry.

The food donated through the agency's project helps it transition into the fourth quarter, providing assorted foods to the needy during the holidays.

Along with the assistance NCS received from Second Harvest Food Bank as well as church and public donations, Williams said the provided goods from Make A Difference Day are distributed in winter to help entire families.

The agency also collected cereal boxes for distribution in December. As of mid-November, NCS collected half of its 800 goal. Williams said each registered family receives one box, and bigger families get two.

"The need is 365 days of the year across all (NCS) programs," Williams said.

The NCS office also accepts personal donations and is a registered dropoff site for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's annual Toys for Tots campaign, a program that distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas.

Williams said the agency will continue accepting donations, including monetary gifts, food and toys for distribution. She said people are welcome to drop off items at the agency's office, 401 Vienna Ave. For more information, contact NCS at 330-652-6412.

Huston and Williams said the outpouring assistance from the community helps bring joy to the children, which is the most important part.

"It's tradition for a lot of families in the area," Huston said. "To see the children's faces when Santa and Mrs. Claus come in … it keeps the spirit of every child."

Williams said also at this year's brunch will be a selfie station, where guests can take photos with provided props, as well as the 2016 Little Miss, Junior Miss and Miss Niles pageant winners.

"Santa is looking forward to seeing all of the kids," Williams said. "The goal is to see everyone leave with a smile on their face."