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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Soup with Santa is returning to Clanton Elementary, and the community is invited.

“The kindergarten teachers do a two-part fundraiser,” teacher Nancy Powell said. “We have a T-shirt that we sell every year … and we do our Soup with Santa event. The profits are divided equally between the 13 kindergarten classes.”

Soup with Santa will be held on Dec. 17 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

This year’s theme for the event is A Country Christmas. Admission is $5 and includes soup, a drink, crackers and a cookie as well as a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus where a picture can be taken and an ornament craft.

Armbands can be purchased from CES students or at the door the night of the event.

Powell said she enjoys watching the children visit with Santa during the event.

“I just love getting to talk with everybody,” teacher Kimberly Justice said, commenting that different people attend each year. “I really like getting their input on how to make it better, to always change it.”

The event has been an annual tradition in some form at the school for 10 years.

Attendees will be able to shop in The Santa Shop. Justice said this will include a variety of gifts for purchase from 50 cents to $6 and a gift-wrapping station.

“They kids really enjoy it,” Justice said.

Additional photo opportunities will be available.

After the popularity of a shirt with a quote on the back last year, Powell said the team decided to use a quote again this year.

“It says, ‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year’ on the back,’” Powell said.

Students and staff sold 909 T-shirts this year.

Those who purchased a T-shirt are encouraged to wear in to the Soup with Santa event.

Justice said funds raise will likely be used for educational games, additional instructional materials, devices and other technology, printers and ink as well as furniture and rugs.

Because the funds are not restricted like state funding is, the fundraiser gives teachers money they can use where they need it most.