The Fraternal Order of Eagles continued its support of O'Connell Youth Ranch this holiday season. This year 23 boys who live at the ranch received 50 each to buy clothes and gifts for themselves and their family at Wal-Mart. Eagle members from throughout the state come each year for the shopping event on the first Saturday of December. Attending this year, from left, are Leo Wacker, state aerie president, Leavenworth; Leroy Bateson, state aerie chairman, Lawrence; Terry Hundley, state aerie secretary, Leavenworth; Doris Nelson, state auxiliary president, Norton; and Carolyn Rosetta, state auxiliary chairwoman, Osage City.

Grand Knight John Callewaert, as Santa, greets Deputy Grand Knight Tony Augusto at the Knights of Columbus annual children's Christmas party. The party was Dec. 6 at the Knights of Columbus, 2206 E. 23rd St.

Bob McGreevy, Knights of Columbus homes president, left, and Mark Klug, club treasurer, sit on Santa's lap. Grand Knight John Callewaert was Santa at the club's annual children's Christmas party on Dec. 6 at the Knights of Columbus, 2206 E. 23rd St.

Habitat for Humanity church liaisons and their pastors gathered Dec. 20 for the dedication of a house near 17th and Harper streets sponsored by the churches. From left are Kent Tomlinson, the Rev. Lew Hinshaw, John Harris, the Rev. Amanda Larsen, the Rev. Randy Beeman, the Rev. Don Miller, Delmer Kruse, the Rev. Gary Teske, the Rev. Jim Shaughnessy, Steve Ramirez, Steve Hillmer, the Rev. Jeff Lilley and Dick Stumbo. The house is Habitat for Humanity's 53rd in Lawrence. Twelve Lawrence churches were involved in the project.

From left, Jean Lominska, Shirley Halladay, Lori Michel and Larry Kline, as Santa, volunteer their time to be bell ringers for the Salvation Army. The members of Altrusa International of Lawrence rang the bells Dec. 13 at Checkers Foods, 2300 La.

Kansas University basketball player Wayne Simien signs an autograph for Harry Brewer, 10, of Gladstone, Mo., during the team's Holiday Basketball Clinic at Allen Fieldhouse. Youngsters got a chance to learn from KU players and coaches during the Dec. 27 clinic.

Robert Payne cuddles on Santa's lap at the Knights of Columbus annual children's Christmas party. Grand Knight John Callewaert was Santa at the event Dec. 6 at the Knights of Columbus, 2206 E. 23rd St.

Kansas University basketball player J.R. Giddens signs an autograph for Josh Renne, 13, of Temecula, Calif., during the Holiday Basketball Clinic at Allen Fieldhouse. KU's players shared basketball tips with youths Dec. 27 at the fieldhouse.