Thanks to the hard work of more than 55 student and staff volunteersof Archbishop Spalding High School, as well as more than 50 local businesses and members of the Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, area families in need this holiday enjoyed a wonderful Christmas party on Dec. 21 in the school cafeteria.

Aside from the multitude of donations -- the food, toys and photos with Santa -- for almost 150 children the real spirit of Christmas was found in the volunteers.

Twenty Chamber members, the wrestling team, cheerleaders, both varsity and junior varsity squads and members of the staff at Spalding,worked hard to make the party a special event.

Student volunteerswere coordinated by Linda Mrockowski, head of maintenance at Spalding along with her husband, Joe, a building engineer at the school.

They worked together with the Chamber to coordinate Spalding's role in the party -- from shopping for gifts, to wrapping presents, stuffing stockings and decorating the cafeteria.

The Mrockowskis and their team of volunteers have helped sponsor the party for the past six years.

More than a third of the gift donations were provided by theSpalding staff, faculty and students. Student organizations who donated include the cheerleading squads, student government association, the band and chorus and Students Against Drunk Driving.

GR: PHOTO