Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Santa's Workshop a Great Success

Teaching children the importance of giving and sharing can be a challenge especially during the holiday season when the mantra, "I WANT..." can be heard everywhere. Adults need to role model generosity, compassion, empathy and philanthropy if they expect children to grow up to be good neighbors.
Last Thursday the Y gave families the opportunity to share the true meaning of Christmas with an event called Santa's Workshop. More than 30 people packed the Hazen Room and brought toys that were then wrapped and will be delivered to ABC Women's Center and NEAT. Children enjoyed making crafts, and eating cookies but the highlight of the evening was definitely Santa Claus making an appearance to thank the children for their donations.
There was a wonderful feeling of Christmas in the room that night. Everyone was smiling and laughing and enjoying being together. And that is the best way to teach values, by doing more than talking about sharing, by having children actually share.

Thank you to Tony Sharillo, Melanie Carfora, Amy Cardoza, Dave Jacob, Maegan Musanti, Kevin Devery and the staff of the Therapeutic Support Mentoring Program for all of their work and support.

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