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Although Christmas is still a couple weeks away, Santa decided to stop by the Downers Grove Park District Recreation Center early this holiday season.

The "Sweets with Santa" event that took place Sunday afternoon hosted more than 30 families excited to meet Santa.

Downers Grove Area Newcomers (DGAN) Tot Events Co-Chair Carly Mondschean said that although this event was for kids to meet Santa, it was special because it helped the adults out in a large way.

"This event was open for families, single people and really anybody new to the Downers Grove area to make social connections throughout the year," Mondschean said. "This is one of our popular annual events that we do every year and people really seem to enjoy it every single year."

This year, families and kids were able to enjoy cookies and snacks, create fun filled holiday crafts, watch a festive movie and socialize with friends and other families not everyone has met before.

Ryan Ostry

Families and children enjoyed fun activities and games at the Recreation Center.

On top of all of the fun activities that were presented at the Downers Grove Park District Recreation Center, each child had the opportunity to receive a candy cane and coloring book from Santa, as well as taking free photos with Santa.

"We try and do a lot of other social events as well every month because we really want the community to all be involved and we feel like this is one of the great ways people can meet others and get involved," Mondschean said.

On top of the "Sweets with Santa" event, DGAN hosts an array of other events.

A ladies night out, book club. mom and tot, bunco, philanthropies, couples date night, health and wellness, an annual kickoff party, new member socials and other family events are all included and sponsored by DGAN to get people more involved in the community.

"I think especially this year it's been fantastic," Mondschean said. "It's very family friendly and everyone has been really easy to work with."