A month of planning paid off Saturday for Coplay Sports Inc.

The bright smiles and starstruck eyes of countless children throughout Coplay was repayment enough for Coplay Sports President Dino Molitoris.

The nonprofit organization, which offers youth baseball, basketball and softball, held its annual Christmas Santa parade throughout the borough Saturday.

The main attraction – Santa and Mrs. Claus – were escorted via a sleigh. It was part of a caravan that included the borough public works employees, police and firefighters and an RV decked out in Christmas decor.

The parade, which ran from 10:30 a.m. until roughly 6 p.m., hit every street in the borough. Along the way, gifts that parents previously dropped off were distributed to the children. From a block away, children could be seen running from their porch to greet Santa in the sleigh.

The parade began in 1971, Molitoris said. It's continued since as a means of thanking the community.

"It's held to give back to the community that supports us year round," Molitoris said.

According to Molitoris, month of planning includes drawing up and coordinating the parade route, purchasing candy for distribution and ensuring a lunch – donated by local organizations – is provided to the volunteers mid-afternoon on the day of the parade.

Molitoris said 145 gifts were dropped off by parents in Coplay.

Additionally, gifts donated by others were distributed to children whose families did not have one to provide.

Molitoris said the organization purchased about $400 worth of candy to give out to children and residents along the parade route. A total of 1,200 bags of candy were prepared for Saturday's parade.

Helping out Saturday were long time volunteers Brian Kunsman of Coplay and Sarah Millan of Whitehall.

"It's a cool cause," Kunsman said. "It's fun and a good time."

"It's always fun. I love it," Millan added.

Molitoris said special thanks goes to the American Club of Coplay for donating its pavilion, so volunteers could decorate the RV, and for lunch.

He also thanked Samuel Owens Restaurant for providing breakfast for volunteers before the parade.

"It's a real community effort," Molitoris said. "A lot of people in the community help out."

Those interested in volunteering or contributing to next year's parade should contact Molitoris at 610-653-8347.