The annual Children’s Christmas party, founded by Marilyn Evans and continued through the efforts of Cozy Evans and Thelma (Miss T.) Edwards complements WIN’s mission of helping families. On the Saturday afternoon before Christmas, over 350 children ages 5-12 and fifteen families from the surrounding neighborhoods gathered with Santa (Volunteer James Freeman) for the 17th year of Christmas crafts, games and food in the WIN Community Room.
Twenty-Live soccer players from La Salle High School helped move boxes of donated toys and set up “Santa’s Toy Shop” where children used a set amount of play money to to “purchase” toys and gifts for their families and friends. These volunteers also filled holiday bags for
the children with fruit, snacks and candy. Cozy remarked that she doesn’t “get tired of organizing the party because the children benefit so much.” The children also experience the joy of being able to “buy” presents for others.
Special thanks to Kathleen Lutz, a WIN Board member for her generous donation of toys and food as well as for serving as the “hotdog chef”. Jean Evens brought her family to volunteer at the party and Sister Barbara Busch helped with organizing the children. Thanks also to Greg Hyland for his donation of juice, to “Toys for Tots” for donated toys and to all the volunteers who made this event such a success. Special thanks also to LaSalle High School and Mr. Schulten’s soccer team for setting up and preparing for the “Toy Shop”.
