For approximately 50 Ironton youngsters, Christmas came early.

Wednesday, the Ironton High School Key Club had its annual Christmas party for needy children in the Ironton City Schools.

Each year teachers and principals at the city's elementary schools select students they think may need assistance during the holiday season. Notes are sent home, asking parents if they would mind their child receiving gifts from the Key Club. Those who agree are treated to a pizza party, complete with Santa Claus handing out presents.

"It's so exciting to see their faces when they open their presents," Key Club vice-president Cassie Mountain said.

"We want them to have a good Christmas and some of us are able to provide that for them," Key Club president Amanda Harper agreed. "We want them to know someone cares. It's probably the best thing we do all year, it's one of the

things the Key Club members enjoy the most."

For Terri Mossman, the inclusion of her daughter in the party was a blessing. Mossman only recently moved back to Ironton after being away for several years. She had been unemployed for several months and only recently started back to work. Christmas will stretch the family's finances this year.

"I hope someday we can repay the favor," she said.

Her daughter, 6-year-old Alicia Mossman took home a new Barbie doll and a sport Barbie car. There were outfits of clothing in pink, some for Barbie and some for Alicia.

What did Alicia think of her gifts. "I told them 'thanks,'" Alicia said. "I like it."