For many of the partygoers at last week’s St. Martin de Porres Senior Center Christmas party, it must have seemed like quite the table-turning. Wrinkled hands that once gave presents to their children now eagerly awaited their own gifts and clapped enthusiastically for Santa Claus as he glided around tables of revelers dancing with partygoers, volunteers and staff.

For 31 years, the center run by Arlington diocesan Catholic Charities has been helping people age 60 and over maintain their independence by offering resources, support and programs aimed at enhancing their lives.

“We have 300 registered (clients,)” said Carol Augustine, program director of the senior center.

Augustine said they draw participants from people in the community, regardless of religious affiliation, but all have economic or social needs. Many come from local Section 8 housing. The center offers English as a Second Language classes, computer training and tax help.

“We serve everyone in need. Forty countries are represented,” Augustine said.

But for three hours on a cold December day, about 150 guests made it clear that they were there to celebrate the birth of Christ, plus bag some loot and lunch in the process.

Entertainer Chris Edwards performed holiday tunes getting the crowd to sing along and dance to such traditional hits as “White Christmas” and “Jingle Bells.” The crowd also enjoyed such World War II favorites as “Boogey-Woogey Bugle Boy of Company C.”

The highlight of the event, of course, was the arrival of Santa, played by longtime Catholic Charities volunteer Ray O’Brien. Santa worked the crowd like a politician, hugging people, ringing sleigh bells and shaking hands, with liberal “ho, ho ho’s” sprinkled around the room. He made certain everyone felt welcome.

All the festivities would not have been possible without the efforts of the center’s dedicated staff and volunteers. One longtime volunteer was recognized for his service to the St. Martin de Porres Center.

Matthew Merkle, 93, is the center’s unofficial “volunteer emeritus.” For 23 years, the retired World War II veteran volunteered at the center ending his run only when he stopped driving. He still shows up for events. A tree was planted at the center to commemorate his service to the community.

Some volunteers are much newer. Marie Girovasi has worked at the center for less than a year and volunteers three days a week. The Blessed Sacrament parishioner is a member of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, which gives men and women over 50 “opportunities to serve others — to address social injustice — and to transform lives.”

Girovasi’s motivation for putting time in at the center is simple.

“I enjoy working with the elderly,” she said.