Natchez — Food, fun and dancing brought in the Christmas spirit for the Boys & Girls Club of the Miss- Lou.

This year was the sixth gathering for the Boys &Girls Club, but it was by far the biggest.

“We are in the Christmas spirit and we are giving kids something to look forward to,” Program Director Robert Jones said.

The Boys &Girls Club had more than one reason to celebrate this year. Wal-Mart awarded the club $1,000 and a new Christmas tree. The Boys & Girls Club also saw an increase in enrollment.

“It’s not only about the growth of the club, but it is about quality,” Resource Developer, Jennifer Ogden said. “The quality of this program has drawn national attention.”

The crowd of over 100 people was entertained by dancing, singing and acting provided by local students. Awards were also handed out to participants and board members. The 2007 Youth of the Year Award was given to Gary White, a member for six years and student of Alcorn State University.

But to many of the people there, the celebration was about the success of the program. Since its humble beginning in 2001, the Boys &Girls Club has provided a safe haven for children, Ogden said.

“We are teaching character, leadership and teamwork. We are giving kids a sense of pride in themselves and in this community,” Executive Director Faye Minor said.