Special to The Monitor:

Spreading holiday cheer, the Integrated Test and Evaluation Directorate hosted a children’s holiday party Dec. 1, at the ITED gun bay.

More than 60 children attended the bash, including 10 students from H.E. Charles Middle School as part of the Fort Bliss Partnership in Education Program. Local Boy Scouts also joined in the fun, volunteering their talents and time to support the event.

To kick off the program, Fort Bliss charter-Boy Scout Troop 248 posted the national colors and led partygoers in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Lenny Scott, senior patrol leader, and nine other Scouts, assisted with all craft and game activities. ITED employee and Scout parent volunteer Jeffrey Lutz, said the troop was eager to help out.

“I was very proud of the Scouts can-do attitude while working at the party and the example they set for other young men in the community,” said Lutz.

Volunteers assisted children as they decorated the Christmas tree with ornaments, jumped in a balloon obstacle course and danced in a musical cupcake walk. These were just a few of the many activities held inside of the ITED gun bay. Col. Dave Wellons, ITED commander, joined the fun and participated in the activities.

The day’s merrymaking continued with a surprise visit from Santa Claus, who handed out toys, board games and gift cards to each participant. Prior to the event, parents were instructed to provide a pre-wrapped gift that would ensure a big smile on their children’s faces. ITED employees provided gifts to the Scouts and students.

“It makes me feel good to be able to give back,” said Cheryl Seymour, an ITED budget analyst. “It’s nice to see kids just being kids. Some of them even broke out there very first board game and began playing with each other at the tables.”

To conclude the event, participants watched as a three-foot piñata in the form of “The Grinch” was lowered by crane. With parents nearby, children took turns punishing the character until candy littered the ground. Each child left with a gift, a bag of candy and a little more holiday joy.