Ferris Wheel Clothing Bank in Lititz has a big event coming up. Long before Christmas arrives, Ferris Wheel founder Sherry Gassert; her assistant, Jen Lewis; and Gassert's daughter, Stephanie Stiffler, will join with a few other volunteers and dress as elves to provide Christmas in the form of presents to Lancaster County children from infants to age 12.

The event, appropriately dubbed the Elf Party, will be held in the lodge at Lloyd H. Roland Memorial Park, 221 N. 11th St., Akron, on Sunday, Dec. 4, from noon to 2 p.m. For children to participate in the event, parents must search for "Ferris Wheel Clothing Bank" on Facebook and watch for the post announcing the party, which will be made during November. Parents may then sign children up to attend by messaging through Facebook, calling 717-799-1933 or emailing FerrisWheel14@hotmail.com. Last year, more than 160 children attended the Elf Party, but this year Gassert would like to see 200 attend.

During registration, Gassert, or one of her elves, learns the children's ages and the types of toys and games they prefer. "So we can gear the (gift) bags towards what they like," explained Gassert, who then turns to her donors for help purchasing items. "These bags get stuffed so full it's amazing," said Gassert, who works with Lewis and Stiffler to prepare the gift bags ahead of time. Each bag is customized to the individual child to be sure gifts are age appropriate and safe.

Lewis explained that when the families arrive at the lodge, they check in with her to make sure the names and ages of these children are correct, and they are given a tag before proceeding to the next station, where Stiffler and other elves meet them. Children are then divided according to age to retrieve their bags. This year, the children will also have an opportunity to complete a coloring page and to meet Santa Claus for a photo. Gassert's husband, Randy, will be on hand to take free photos that can be sent to families as well. Colored pages will be given to Santa. Parents will receive a small gift as well, and children will leave with a bag of treats to enjoy, along with their presents.

Gassert said that the lodge is well suited to the party. "The building's great," she reported. "It's perfect for our use." Gassert noted that the lodge has a fireplace, and that volunteers decorate for the party. "It was just beautiful inside, the way we set it up," she said.

Ferris Wheel receives ample donations of clothing and gifts for children, but Gassert noted that monetary donations could be used to defray other costs, such as rental fees, to help the elves deliver at Christmastime. Individuals who wish to donate may contact Gassert at the aforementioned email or phone number. More information about the organization may be found at https://ferriswheel14.wixsite.com/fwci.