Warwick community unites to help needy children and their families

WARWICK — Another example of how the Warwick community unites to make a difference at this time of year was the annual Holiday Project for Children in Need held Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Warwick Reformed Church.
Warwick Valley Rotarians, Warwick Lions Club, Chosun Taekwondo Leadership Team, Backpack Snack Attack Program and Warwick Reformed Church plus many other businesses and individuals worked together for a year to create a memorable holiday for local families in need.
Approximately 160 children came from various programs, including Backpack Snack Attack, the Mustard Seed Ministry and the Alamo.
And since a large number of guests were expected, this year's event was again divided into two back-to-back parties hosted first by the Rotarians and then by the Lions.
That enabled volunteer elves to escort small groups of children to the various stations, which included games with prizes, cookie decoration, photos with Santa and holiday treats.
Santa also presented all of the children with giant gift bags filled with clothing, shoes, underwear, sox, hats, gloves and toys chosen just for them.
Each year members of the community sponsor the children by donating money for each child and family or by shopping for a specific child and providing the items indicated.
Other businesses and individuals donate new gift items, wrapping paper and refreshments as well as their time.
In between the two parties, members of the Warwick Valley Rotarians, the Warwick Lions Club and other volunteer "Elves," had an opportunity to pose as a group for a photo with Santa.
- Roger Gavan