Jackson Paper Manufacturing hosted more than 45 local elementary students and their families at the company’s Christmas for Kids party on Dec. 11.

The guests were joined at the gathering by the children of employees of Jackson Paper. Staff at Jackson County’s elementary schools selected the students who attended.

“This annual event is a highlight of the Christmas season for us,” said Tim Campbell, President and CEO of Jackson Paper. “Our employees work all year long to make this party as special and memorable as possible, and we are so pleased to be able to include children from across our community.”

Party-goers enjoyed three hours of games and crafts, lunch and a visit with Santa Claus. Each child received a toy or game, a goodie bag and other prizes.

This is the ninth year that Jackson Paper has hosted Christmas for Kids. Party organizers were Human Resources Department staff Angie Rogers, Heather Stillwell and Renee Phillips, with help from 25 employees and family member volunteers.

Jackson Paper Manufacturing Co. is an independently-owned mill in Sylva that produces 100-percent recycled paper used by independent box manufacturers to make the fluted layer of corrugated boxes.

For more information on Jackson Paper, visit www.jacksonpaper-nc.com/.