Eddie's Club throws annual Christmas party for kids in need

ELYRIA — The dance floor at Eddie's Club was full of kids eager to take home a toy Sunday. For the eighth year, the Elyria motorcycle bar threw a "needy children's Christmas party" where anyone who walked through the door could get free food and toys for their kids. Owner Eddie Sabbah said his life experiences have shown him the importance of being generous and supporting the less fortunate in the community. "God gave me a second chance … for a reason," he said. Sabbah, a cancer and heart attack survivor, spends $500 of his own money each year on the toys and food for the party. Despite all this, he insisted it's not about him and doesn't want attention for his charitable acts. But when Sabbah walked through his club during the party, it was hard for him to avoid the attention of the crowd gathered there. Several kids and parents gave him big hugs like he was Santa Claus, even though a costumed Santa was sitting just across the room. One memory from a past Christmas party that sticks out in Sabbah's memory is one boy's reaction when he saw free steak being served. The boy assumed the steak was for Santa because he'd never eaten expensive food like that before. "He'd never seen a steak in (his) life," he said. "His grandma hugged me so tight she almost cracked my ribs," he said. The toys Eddie's Club gives away during the party are collected from a variety of sources, including motorcycle clubs and customers at the bar. One club that regularly contributes to the event is Brothers Bond RC. Members Heather and Angel Lopez brought blankets, toys and toiletries this year. "This is the first time I've actually been able to come and help (Sabbah) set up and do a little bit extra, because I usually work on the day he has the party," said Heather Lopez. "We've donated ever since he started." "We're all about giving back to the community," Angel Lopez added. The toys were arranged on the bar's stage near the dance floor, and kids were asked to line up from youngest to oldest. Younger kids had the first pick of toys. Lining up was not easy for the crowd, estimated to be the largest ever, but once everyone was sorted, the kids smiled as they selected what they wanted. While they were waiting for their turns, one group of boys confronted a costumed Grinch, asking him why he was so mean. The planning of the party, from the toys to the costumed characters, takes a lot of work but makes a lot of good, Sabbah said. "We've got a lot of help," he said. "There are a lot of good people still." Contact Dylan Reynolds at (440) 329-7123 or dreynolds@chroniclet.com. Follow him on Twitter @DRey1357.