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Photo by Steven Dahlman Santa brings cheer to Near North kids at Dick’s party for 26th year

By Steven Dahlman

(Left) Santa speaks with a guest at an annual holiday party organized by community volunteers, Chicago Police Department, and hosted by Dick’s Last Resort. (Click on images to view larger versions.)

11-Dec-14 – For the 26th year in a row, Santa just happened to drop by Dick’s Last Resort in River North during a holiday party for children from elementary schools on the Near North Side.

This was the seventh year the party has been held at Dick’s current location at Marina City.

Community volunteers and the Community Policing Office for the Chicago Police Department’s 18th District selected 75 deserving children. The offices are part of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy, a partnership between police and community aimed at solving neighborhood crime problems.

While dining on a kid-friendly buffet, the guests on Wednesday were treated to a performance by carolers from VanderCook College of Music. They received gift bags, too, all assembled by employees of Dick’s Last Resort.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White stopped by to visit with the children.

Kathy Posner, a member of the 18th Police District Advisory Committee, has organized the event every year since 1992.

Photo by Steven Dahlman

(Above) Secretary of State Jesse White (center, wearing the red tie) with carolers from VanderCook College of Music.

Photo by Steven Dahlman

(Above) Santa listens for a response while helpers prepare gift bags.

Photo by Steven Dahlman

(Above) A girl takes a gift bag after speaking with Santa.

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