Good Charlotte frontman hosts kids Christmas party

The Good Charlotte frontman Joel Madden and Nicole Richie treated 200 children to a Christmas party on Saturday (22.12.07).

The couple organised the party at Los Angeles' Paramount Studios for children from Beyond Shelter - a charity programme which helps families beat homelessness and poverty - as part of their Richie-Madden Children's Foundation , which they set-up when they learned they were to become parents.

Joel told People magazine: "It's fun for us to be with a bunch of kids who are having a good time. They make you smile. Hopefully for today they're feeling special.

"The foundation is really important to me and Nicole. We're just really happy to be a part of the community and celebrating with these kids who haven't been as fortunate as us."

The rocker and his heavily pregnant fiancée - who is due to give birth in January - handed out new pairs of shoes and teddy bears to the kids.

Nicole joined in as the children enjoyed face-painting, balloon animals and hot dogs, and was cheered by the children as she shouted, "Who wants to throw pies in Joel's face?"

The couple - who last month hosted a surprise baby shower for 100 new mothers and pregnant women at Hollywood's Los Angeles Free Clinic - insist they are having a quiet family Christmas this year.

Joel said: "We'll be at home and it'll be very low-key."

Nicole joked: "It'll be very boring."