Hundreds of kids celebrate Christmas at Philly archdiocese party

Continuing a nearly six-decade tradition, Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput hosted the archdiocese’s annual Christmas party for hundreds of kids.

Chaput changed hats for the Thursday event, trading his zucchetto for a railroad conductor’s hat in keeping with the train-themed party. 

It’s a season of giving to others, Chaput said.

“Two things are important — one is the joy of the kids. It’s important because it makes the children happy, it makes them feel important and loved,” he said. “Even more important is the folks who have made this possible have been generous.  When we are generous, it makes our hearts bigger. It makes our lives broader, and it does us a lot more good than the people we are trying to help.”

Nearly 500 young people who receive services from more than a dozen programs administered by Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia benefited from the kindness of donors who contributed to make it a happier holiday for the children.