There was no shortage of smiles Tuesday afternoon at the Brandywine Junior/Senior High School library.

About two dozen children were there opening presents and stuffing their faces with candy and cookies provided by the Brandywine National Honor Society.

Even Santa Claus showed up for the honor society’s third annual holiday party benefitting needy children.

“It is amazing when they rip off the wrapping paper and their eyes sparkle and they say how much they like their gift,” said Angelika Anderson, Brandywine senior and honor society president. “It is great to give them a part of their childhood that they will always remember.”

The National Honor Society raised about $2,000 for the party through donations from students, teachers and staff at Brandywine. The money was used to purchase winter clothes and toys for 21 needy children in the Niles area.

Each child was chaperoned by a specific National Honor Society student, who helped the child get food and open presents.

“It is not just a great time for the children, it is great for us too,” Anderson said. “It gives us a chance to see that the holidays aren’t the same for everyone. Some families are going through hard times now.”

Jim Derucki, Brandywine teacher and honor society advisor, said Lowe’s donated sleds for all the kids.

“When we get some snow, we’ll get all the kids together again and go sledding. It should be a lot of fun,” Derucki said.

Each National Honor Society chapter is required to do a major fundraiser each year. The holiday party is the Brandywine chapter’s major fundraiser.