College Heights Neighbors Celebrate Christmas Together
Students from the Friendship House - and their families - share a fun evening
Nearly 30 College Heights students, along with their families, gathered Monday night, December 8, for the Friendship House Christmas party. The party was held in downtown Abilene at the United Way Community Room.
The evening had all the elements needed for a great Christmas party: bright-eyed youngsters, holiday decorations, bright red stockings, Christmas carols, and even an appearance from Santa himself. Each of the children - as well as a number of the adults - had their picture made with Santa, and each child received a stocking filled with candy and small gifts.
Party-goers enjoyed a meal of sandwiches and chili. While they ate, the parents were treated to a musical program by the students of Christmas carols they had practiced during afternoons at the Friendship House. Selections included "Away in a Manger," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Door prizes were awarded, and the children presented their parents with personalized coffee mugs they had made as a craft project - each mug with a photo of that child as well as Christmas artwork they had colored.
Dusty Garison, Community Coordinator for the College Heights Friendship House, said the evening was a fun way to cap off his first semester in the neighborhood. "I've had a lot of fun getting to know these kids and their families," he said, "and I'm looking forward to getting back together with them after the break. We've got some great activities planned for the spring."
Kids Club activities at the College Heights Friendship House will resume Tuesday, January 20, 2009.
Special thanks to:
- Mrs. Holly Sobin, for coordinating the food
- Ms. Amber Gilbert, for serving as photographer
- Mr. Randy Williams, for technical assistance
- Ms. Dixie Bassett and the staff at United Way of Abilene, for their kind hospitality