Scranton community members got into the holiday spirit with a performance of Santa Ron Leas and The Christmas Big Band at the Houlihan-McLean Center recently. 

The Empty Stocking Benefit Concert featured the band for the second year in a row. University of Scranton students Kathleen Madara, a junior from Bethlehem and sophomore

Hillary Fanelli of Toms River, N.J., were some of the students there to help for the evening.

Although music performances at the Houlihian-McLean Center tend to be free of charge throughout the year, this concert was different. According to Madara, the Empty Stocking Fund is the only concert where audience members have to bring a toy or item of clothing with them in order to gain entrance.

“The toys are then given to local families and children in the community (through local agencies),” said Madara.

Donations collected included books, baby dolls, board games, children’s tool boxes, stuffed animals, train sets, painting sets and knitted winter hats. 

“We have a cash donation box that people can also use for admission,” said Fanelli.

Santa Ron Leas and The Christmas Big Band began playing after a brief introduction by the university’s Director of Performance Music Cheryl Boga.

The set list consisted of 14 songs that included Have a Holly Jolly Christmas, Do You Hear What I Hear, Happy Holidays to You, No Place Like Home for the Holidays, Round and Round the Christmas Tree, A Marshmellow World and Feliz Navidad.

Three songs that the crowd seemed to enjoy most were Winter Wonderland, Santa Baby and Sleigh Ride, which was the finale.