The 2010 Winter Festival is a program I started 13 years ago. This year the name was changed in memory of my former assistant Pat Carter who was an incredible woman who loved this program and giving back to the people from our community. While times are tough for everyone, we were still able to provide special gift bags for 48 women and 18 children.
With the help of donations, each child received at least four gifts. Some toys and, of course at least three books a piece. During the Pat Carter Winter Festival, my daughter, Pat's Family, graduate students from the DeVos Sport Business Management Graduate program took part in decorating cookies, holiday decorations and creating special lanterns. We met some incredible women and will continue to take part in shelter programs throughout the year.
While, it can often seem self serving to tell people about the things I do in the community, it is more important for me to let people know that there are so many small things that can be done to help others. It's not hard to get involved in your community volunteer programs, or start one of your own.
Early preparation and organization went great with my daughter Maia's help.
Hansel, a child living at the Center and Volunteer Kelly Higgins enjoyed participating in art & crafts projects.
The arts & crafts projects where definitely a hit. I think the volunteers enjoyed it as much as the children, their moms and even those women living at the center without children.
Everyone loves cookies. Especially, when you can decorate them whenever you want.
It was tough getting the kids organized to hand out gifts. They were having so much fun, spending time with their parents and volunteers that the gifts truly came second. Little Brandon's gift bag was almost as big as he was.
Maia enjoyed her part in the Winter Festival. Aside from handing out gifts, she was overwhelmed with excitement while hosting her own arts & crafts workshop.
Look what I made!!!
Volunteers Chris and Elizabeth watched as Hansel opened his special gifts.
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