Rec center hosts breakfast with Santa

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Andrew Friebel and his wife, Jamie, get ready to make a craft with their children, Jamison, brown hair and Grayson, with Tennyson and Kierson being held by dad during the Breakfast with Santa event at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center on Saturday.

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Abby Weaver, 5, and his brother Austin, 3, sit on Santa’s lap during the Breakfast with Santa event at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center on Saturday.

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More than 200 kids and their families came out to share a bite at “Breakfast With Santa” held at the North Fort Myers Rec Center Saturday.

Attendees also were able to visit Santa to share their wish lists and get a photo, as well as do a craft or just play reindeer games.

“We had 120 families who were preregistered and easily expect 100 more. Last year was a much smaller event and there are some safety measures again this year. Families are more comfortable coming to an event this year,” said Lisa Weaver, supervisor at the rec center. “The Fall Festival was the largest attendance we ever had, so it’s nice that families are looking for something to do.”

The rec center has hosted the Santa meet-and-greet since it opened in 2013, sometimes combining it with other holiday events.

The Tre Boston Beyond Belief Foundation sponsored much of the event, including breakfast, with more than 15 volunteers helping out. Rotary also had a hand in putting on the event, along with Lee County 4-H. All in all, about 35 volunteers took part.

Iris de Hoyos, executive director of the foundation, said this is a chance for kids and families to celebrate a happy holiday (regardless of what and how you celebrate) and that the Beyond Belief team is always up to the task.

“The great thing about the foundation is that many of our volunteers are in the business sector, coaches, educators. So, it’s amazing we always have people who work in the public sector,” de Hoyos said. “We ensure we have positive team members that always exude what our mission is. I love it.”