Next Christmas, Santa May Go Hungry in Hellertown

According to Saucon Valley Jaycees president Lori Jardel, this might be the last "Breakfast with Santa" held at the in Hellertown.

The annual event was held Saturday, Dec. 17, and attracted dozens of families for whom eating pancakes with Kris Kringle has become an annual tradition.

Jardel has been a member of the Saucon Valley Jaycees for 11 years. She's concerned for the future of the group based on a warning the Jaycees recently received from the state, and she's now asking for community support in order to keep the organization alive.

"We're on probation right now. We have to have 21 members in order to be active. Right now we only have 19, and we only have a handful of active members--about six. One person (Jardel) has done all the work for this event," Jardel said.

"If we go under a certain number (of members), we will be shut down," she added.

She explained how the communities of Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township will be impacted if the Jaycees cease to exist: there will be no annual , no "" no , no "Dial Santa," and of course, no more "."

"Our Junior Olympics was already shut down because of lack of sponsorship," Jardel said. "This is the second year we haven't been able to do it. was our sponsor, but they told us they couldn't sponsor us anymore."

"We can't find a business that will help sponsor us," she added.

According to Jardel, the Jaycees almost canceled the 2011 because they were informed two weeks prior to the dinner that their sponsor would be unable to pay for it.

Rather than canceling the event, Jardel and several other donors paid for the dinner themselves.

Her plea for help is sincere.

Jardel said she attempted to send flyers home with students in the , but the district denied her request. Some flyers have been distributed through local daycare centers.

There are no requirements for someone to become a Jaycee, other than age. Any help is appreciated from volunteers who are 18 to 40 years old. Annual dues are $40.

According to a promotional brochure about the organization:

"The Saucon Valley Jaycees is a highly motivated group of individuals who have served the community with pride for over 30 years. We attempt to improve the quality of life in the Saucon Valley area through projects geared to meet the ever-changing needs of our community. Through hands-on experience of organizing projects, members can develop their leadership skills, enjoy personal growth and meet new people. We are a diverse group, with various ideas, who work together and have fun together via projects, meetings and social activities. We encourage new and independent thoughts and ideas."

For more information about the Saucon Valley Jaycees, area residents can visit their website. Jardel's contact information is available on the site under "Contact Us."

Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm at the , 150 W. Walnut St., Hellertown, for anyone interested in learning more about the organization.