News

Calling all kids! Community Christmas returns

By Colin DeVries

CATSKILL — Last year, the Second Baptist Church hosted its first Kids’ Community Christmas to bring children and families together in the spirit of the holiday season.

The joy of giving and the celebration togetherness, which is the essence of the event, has unfortunately become imperiled this year. Last year’s event was enormously popular and served as the precursor to a holiday tradition at the church.

Now, though, the economic downturn has resulted in a decline in donations and less to give to the children of the local community.

“It was such a success last year,” said Annette Owens, chairwoman of the Kids’ Community Christmas Committee. “We would have thought it would be easier to get donations this year.”

Owens — or anyone else for that matter — could not predict the dire straits that would befall the American economy this holiday season.

With close to 50 letters mailed requesting donations as far north as Albany and Clifton Park, to as far south as Poughkeepsie, only about 15 have responded so far, according to Owens.

“The majority of our donations so far have come from Hudson,” she said. “They responded so quickly and I really want to thank them.”

With approximately 150 children attending last year, the church expects at least 200 this year but unfortunately has less to give by comparison.

The spirits of the event coordinators have not been dimmed in light of the recent developments, though, and they are still going to ensure that no child goes home empty-handed.

“We’re going have 200 goodie bags for the kids,” Owens said.

There will be door prizes similar to last year, though the prizes have dwindled. Last year 15 bicycles were awarded to eager children, so far this year only nine have been donated.

“We promised to have more this year,” Owens said.

She hopes that before the event on Dec. 20 there will be more donations made to the church for the children.

“I think people know that the Second Baptist Church supports the community and helps those that are in need,” said the Rev. Richard D. Turpin. “To help feed the community we have to help restock the storehouse.”

The celebrated community event will also include a feast prepared by church members, a baking workshop, and a play by the children about the story of Christmas.

This will be the first year of the Christmas skit, with children acting out the Nativity of Jesus Christ. Owens said that rehearsals have been underway and it should be a fun event.

To continue the success of the Kids’ Community Christmas here in Catskill at the Second Baptist Church, the event organizers are reaching out to the community for further assistance.

Donations are being accepted in the form of partyware, gifts or monetary donations.

To donate, please call Annette Owens, (518) 253-5152, or the Second Baptist Church, (518) 943-4804.

“We know there’s a need for it during these times,” said Owens, “and I’m sure it will be a success.”

To reach reporter Colin DeVries, please call (518) 943-2100, ext. 3325, or e-mail cdevries@thedailymail.net.

Reader Comments

Submit a Comment