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HPU Hosts 8th Annual Community Christmas Celebration

"It's an honor to be here and to really embody those values that are instilled in us from the first year of being here," said Kirby Hutcheson, an HPU student volunteer at the Holly Jolly Hot Dog Shoppe. "It's amazing coming to school here and in this city. It's such an opportunity to serve."

HIGH POINT, NC (WFMY) -- Thousands visited High Point University for the 8th Annual Community Christmas Celebration.

This year was the eighth consecutive year HPU held the two-night event.

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“HPU makes it very enjoyable for the kids, and that’s what it’s all about," said Stacy Holden.

The eighth annual Community Christmas ended with many indoor activities to keep thousands of guests warm and entertained.

Nearly 1,000 volunteers made night two of the event possible as they served hot cocoa and wished guests a Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

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“It’s an honor to be here and to really embody those values that are instilled in us from the first year of being here,” said Kirby Hutcheson, an HPU student volunteer at the Holly Jolly Hot Dog Shoppe. “It’s amazing coming to school here and in this city. It’s such an opportunity to serve.”

Even Santa Claus, who made a special appearance from the North Pole was impressed with the spirit of the university.

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“Can you imagine a university being so generous that they feed all of these people, they let them see Santa Claus, and they give them a free photo when they visit Santa Claus?” said Claus. “Then they give them a free gift as they leave and they have all the beautiful, tens of thousands of lights and activities.”

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