DETROIT (Dec. 12) – Here’s a snapshot of what Saturday’s A Time to Help Christmas Party for shelter residents at The Salvation Army Harbor Light in Detroit looked like: White lights draped and twinkling from the rafters. Small children running around with painted faces playing balloon games, while older ones danced away to hip-hop music.
And one can only guess what it sounded like shortly after S.A.Y. Detroit founder Mitch Albom announced the arrival of Santa Claus, who appeared with Mrs. Claus (and an elf), and gave a hearty “Ho! Ho! Ho!”
Well into its second decade, the annual holiday party is A Time to Help’s largest one-day volunteer effort of the year. More than 100 children and their mothers from The Salvation Army’s area shelters – and more than 75 volunteers – enjoyed a fun-filled day with one goal in mind: to have fun.
Chris Johnston has volunteered for ATTH’s monthly events for the last nine years. She worked at her fifth holiday party on Saturday. “I look forward to this all year,” Johnston said. “The adults and the children have such a good time, their worries and concerns are put on hold for a day. For all of the volunteers, the Christmas Party is special. Once you’ve done it once, you’re hooked on it.”
In addition to our legion of ATTH volunteers, special acknowledgements go to the following donors for food and services: Christine Desnoyer; Paul Andoni (Shield’s); Bagel Factory Café; Bruegger’s Bagels ;Big Apple Bagels; Costco; Trish Donaldson; Seth Fisher; Richard and Irena Burrous; Bill and Diana Doebler; Paul Palazzolo; Mary Williams; Vincent Cracciolo; Lyn Austin (with friend Nancy); Jean Yee; Joan and Craig Brown; Stephanie the Elf.
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The Whitman Family joining us again from Ovid, MI and the Parkers from Jackson!
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Dance party!
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Cookie decorating table
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Mothers getting hand massages and manicures
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The giant parachute is always a favorite
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A surprise visit from the St. Nick!
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