Knee-high children mobbed Santa at Saturday’s Santa Claus Breakfast, hugging him, pulling his beard, and asking for everything from cowboy boots to video games.

Santa took it all in stride, and soon the kids lined up for gifts and candy in the Muskogee High School Cafeteria.

Sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and McDonald’s, the event is an annual community Christmas special.

“We want children to see role models,” said Connors State College President Dr. Donnie Nero, also a fraternity member. “Many of these children might not have those models, and we want to instill the importance of education in them.”

Community leaders spoke during the event, helped pass out toys, and did their best to inspire the children.

“‘From the High Chair to Higher Education’ is our theme,” said President Emeritus of Langston University and Alpha Phi Alpha member Dr. Ernest Holloway. “That means we have got to start putting education on their minds early in life.”

The cafeteria was filled with families eating McDonald’s sausage biscuits and singing Christmas carols.

Children darted around, laughing and playing, and singing carols.

Every child received a toy and a sack of candy before going home, and left clutching stuffed animals and grinning so big their smiles nearly didn't fit through the door.

“This is what Christmas is about, giving from the heart,” said Mayor John Tyler Hammons as he completed a complicated finger-twisting handshake with an enthusiastic 6-year-old. “I appreciate our community members stepping up and contributing.”

Bacone College adjunct instructor Dr. Stephen Wiley, also a fraternity member, was one of several college representatives to speak at Saturday's event.

He encouraged all to continue their education, and encouraged adults to support their children in reaching their goals.

Other guests included Muskogee Phoenix Publisher Larry Corvi, Holloway, Nero and Muskogee Public Schools Superintendent Mike Garde.

After the speakers, the children sat quietly as Chuck Bread and his daughter Jordan, 3, performed a traditional Native American dance.

Then they rushed the front as Santa Claus strolled in, followed by a prancing and waving Adam Stoutermire, 6, and Makiyah Tucker, 7, who were the first to give Santa a squeeze.

Santa hugged everyone in his reach and wished all a Merry Christmas.