Holiday Parties in December
There's a certain magic that happens in a child's face when they are about to receive a gift. The joy they experience is equivalent to an adult watching it. That magic played over and over at our Holiday Parties in December.The annual Macy's Giveback Party brought over 100 school children together for a holiday experience. Macy's volunteers decorated the room and tables, made crafts with the children and then served them all lunch. After their meals were all cleared, Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted each of the children giving them all a gift.
St Francis Food Pantries continued the Holiday Celebration at St Paul the Apostle Church, with almost 500 people in attendance. With many the thanks of our sponsors and volunteers; Chase, The Gramercy Group, ConEdison, JT Magen & Company, Lane Office, The Meehan Group, Time Warner and Macy's, we were able to make a difference in the lives of many New York City families this holiday season.
With so many people in attendance, the food preparation and serving required an army of volunteers. With so many gifts to hand out, our volunteer base was even larger. And to make the day truly special, each child went home with 3 or more gifts after being entertained with live music, a magician, "blank" the Therapy dog was available to share some unconditional love and of course - an opportunity to meet Santa with his special elf.
Con Edison's Knitting and Crocheting Circle prepared boxes of winter hats and scarves for the children. The effort and work that went into this never ceases to amaze. Parents wanting to bundle their children from the bitter cold and snow falling that day could not have been happier and their smiles were a testament to that.
The prayer of St Francis states "For it is in the giving that we receive." That is never truer than with the volunteers at our Holiday Parties. And we owe a special prayer of thanks to all of them!