Posted: Dec 28, 2011 10:05 AM
Updated: Dec 28, 2011 10:10 AM
All I want for Christmas is to see the smiling faces of 175 students from
Eighty-First Street Early Childhood Education Center.
The magic began on Wednesday, December 14th at 10:00am, when 175 four and five year olds stepped off the bus to greet Santa and Mrs. Claus, who enthusiastically awaited their arrival. The children were ushered into the auditorium by elves and volunteers where they received refreshments to enjoy while they waited for the main event. Following Mrs. Claus’ reading of “Twas The Night Before Christmas”, each child received a gift from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The highlight of the event was when they were given the sign to unwrap them. The flying tissue paper and the excitement that appeared on each little face is what residents, staff and volunteers look forward to each year, as well as the show of appreciation that the children offered the residents in the form of hugs, carols and many thank you’s. These symbols of joy, love and hope are what we at The Glen look forward to and consider to be a great celebration of the spirit of Christmas. As the children prepared to return to school, residents and volunteers sent them off with stockings full of toys and goodies that the residents prepared themselves.
For seven years now, The Glen’s Community Outreach Program has included Eighty-First Street ECE Center as a part of the Christmas and Easter Seasons. This year’s event was generously supported by a grant from the Jess Merkle Foundation.
The spirit of the season continued when The Glen’s therapy dog team delivered gifts to 90 children in the special needs classes at Eighty-First Street School.
“Recognizing the wonderful work that Eighty-First Street School does and what a deserving population
they serve is what has driven us to continue serving them through our community outreach program
over the last seven years. In addition, the residents love having them here.”
Rhonda Beauvais, President & CEO of The Glen Retirement System
For more information on The Glen's Community Outreach Program, contact Darlene at 318.798.3500.