Jerry Presley took to the dance floor with one of the special needs children invited to the annual Jeff Presley Christmas Party at American Legion Post 5.
The Korean War-era U.S. Navy man has been volunteering through the 40&8 Voiture 1292 at this Christmas party since 1965. The 40&8 is an honorary society within the American Legion.
At that time, local children with special needs were treated to a train ride, filled with clowns and activities, to California. There, they were given a "grandiose" meal and more entertainment, including the traditional visit from Santa Claus, Presley recalled.
By the 1970s, the railroad's liability concerns had ended that trek. However, the party continued at the post's "new" home, moving from Christy Drive to Tanner Bridge Road.
More recently, Presley's late son Jerry Jeffrey Presley had volunteered through the Sons of the American Legion, providing the characters of both Smokey the Bear and Santa Claus.
When Presley's son died, the party was named to remember him.
The numbers of children served each year have ranged from as many as 200 to this year's 94. They came from local schools including Kirchner State, St. Peter's Vogelweid Learning Center, Special Learning Center, South Elementary, Moreau Heights Elementary and Blair Oaks Public Schools.
They come with their teachers and helpers. In addition to the 18 40&8 volunteers this year, the Jefferson City Police Department, the Jefferson City Fire Department and the Cole County Sheriff's Department sent another 29 individuals to help.
The Lions Club provided the live music.
The St. Peter center brought six students to this much-anticipated annual event, said Director Paula Wekenborg.
"They're creating good memories here," she said. "What more could you ask than to sing, dance and get soda on a school day?"
Wekenborg said she appreciates the veterans organization's efforts to relate to these children and bring them joy.
"Anyone graced well enough by the good Lord that they don't have these kind of problems in their families, they don't realize how lucky they are," said Presley, 85.
When he first joined the 40&8, volunteering was something he did as a loyal member. However, now he does it for different reasons, he said.
"I think it's a pretty wonderful program."