North Side High School is preparing for the 31st annual Christmas Party for Kids Surviving Cancer. The celebration for children who have battled cancer and their families will be from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at North Side, 475 E. State Blvd.

North Side students and staff work with Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana to host the party. This year, 22 families are expected to attend the party, which will include food donated by Mexigrill, music, face painting, dance performances and a visit from Santa.

Students and staff raise money throughout the year to host the event. Students adopt a family by shopping for Christmas presents for the children in the family, wrapping the presents and attending the event alongside their designated family.

Preparing for the party includes raising money, making contacts with community members for donations, shopping for gifts for each child in every family attending, wrapping the gifts and organizing entertainment. Dozens of students from several student groups, including those focused on community service, as well as those connected to the arts and academics, participate in raising money for gifts and organizing the annual event.

“This is the highlight of the year for so many of our students, especially those who have participated for several years,” said teacher Crystel Miller. “Hosting this party is a proud tradition at North Side, and our students have so much fun while supporting families during a difficult time.”