There is no better reward than to see the smile on the face of a child when handed that one special toy.

Soroptomist International hosted its 17th annual Christmas Toy Party on Dec. 11 at the Amador High School gym in Sutter Creek. Thanks to businesses in the community and so many individual donors who donated money, bikes, toys, food, services, time and lots of love, this event is made possible each year.

This past year, with money going to hurricane victims and our armed forces, and our rained-out fund-raising attempts, this year's toy party was looking bleak. The number of families needing assistance for their children had increased from the last year. More than 200 underprivileged children were signed up to receive a toy of their choice, less than $25, and spend a fun-filled day full of games, prizes, a cakewalk, coloring, face painting, building gingerbread houses and of course a visit from Santa.

Most of the donations this year were received from generous individual donors. Soroptomist is a nonprofit service group, so all those donations are greatly needed to hold an event of this nature.

A special thank you goes out to some very special donators. First, we want to thank Marie and John Wiens, owners of Pine Grove Ace Hardware and Pine Grove Mercantile, for their generous donations of bikes, scooters and sports equipment. Marie was kind enough to personally raffle off the items for us this year.

SAFEKIDS Amador/Calaveras was on site this year to fit children with bicycle helmets and car seats and hand out identification kits to the parents. One of our Soroptomist member's quilters guild donated cash and several toys.

All the local grocery stores in Amador County donated goodies for the cakewalk. Jim and Kim Vinciguerra donated the milk cartons for the gingerbread houses. Tobacco Reduction of Amador County sent Sierra Healthy Heart to paint faces and make Christmas cards to remind parents about preventing second-hand smoke.

Natalie Ostergaard with Upcountry Fitness kept the kids energized with some great activities. There was even a visit from Smokey Bear, the Cat in the Hat, one of Santa's elves, Mrs. Claus, the mayor of our little town and a cute little Bumblebee.

Santa Claus arrived to read a story and have a picture taken with every single child who lined up to receive their toy. Then, thanks to a grant from First 5, the children filled up a lunch bag with healthy fruit and snacks.

It was truly a day full of fun and adventure, all of which would not have been possible without the help of all those mentioned, along with some hard-working Soroptomist members, S-club members and a few kids from Amador High's leadership class.

If anyone would like to know how they can help bring some happiness to a child during the holidays, please contact Donna Jackson, Toy Party co-chair, at 245-3193 or send your cash donation to Soroptomist International, P.O. Box 1105, Jackson, CA 95642-1105.

Once again, our sincere thanks go out to all who participated by donating or volunteering in this year's event. We hope we can count on you again in 2006.