NATCHEZ — Santa Claus made a stop at Grace United Methodist Church Saturday morning to share breakfast with a group of community children.

The annual Breakfast with Santa event is the kickoff to a season of giving for Grace United Methodist.

Event worker Carole LeMay said the church was host to a group of children which included children from the Department of Human Services as well as church members and children from the church’s day care center.

LeMay said the children from DHS would be given the opportunity to “shop” from a gift selection purchased by the church and pick out presents for the rest of their families.

“This way they can take part in that aspect of Christmas too,” she said.

Grace United Methodist pastor the Rev. Darian Duckworth started the event by telling the story of Jesus’ birth.

“A baby this small,” Duckworth said while holding up a miniature nativity scene, “grew up to be a King.”

Children then enjoyed plates of pancakes and sausage before Santa arrived.

And though she knew a visit from Santa was impending, Kate McCann, 4, was in awe of the decorated dining room.

“There are lights on that star,” she said. “Pink is my favorite color.”

Her mother Nita McCann said her family attends the church and wanted to share in a fun day with her daughter.

“(We) just wanted to get out here and enjoy Christmas,” she said. “And, of course, celebrate Jesus, the real reason for the season.”

LeMay said the breakfast is only one of the things the church does to give back during Christmas.

They have also adopted three families with a total of 13 children for the holidays.

“We will get clothes and toys for the kids and serve a full Christmas meal for the family,” she said. “This is a culmination of a year of sharing the church does. We work all year long with DHS to help families in need.”