This year, the Claremont Community College will host its 14th annual Secret Santa Event. The non­profit organization has played Santa to more than a thousand needy children since 2001. The event includes presents, dinner, entertainment and a visit with St. Nick.

This year, the group has added something special and will provide 100 new guitars for 100 needy children. The addition of musical instruments comes from the desire of the volunteers to provide meaningful experiences for the children.

The Claremont Community College is a nonprofit that provides educational, cultural and social events. The group first played Santa 14 years ago to a single family with 13 children. The Secret Santa event has since grown to a festive occasion for 150 children and their families.

The event, which once was hosted in school cafeterias, now takes place at the Citizens Business Bank Arena. And it involves more than 100 volunteers and donors.

The families are selected by the Salvation Army and are treated to a festive evening in the Arena’s lobby, which is transformed into a Winter Wonderland.

Businesses and community members can donate to the event online at www.claremontcommunitycollege.com.

You may also volunteer for the gift-wrapping party which will be held Sunday December 14. For more information, contact Vince Turner by calling (909) 477-­1747 or emailing vince@schoolbiz.com.