The holiday spirit

WARWICK — A true example of how the Warwick Community unites to make a difference is the annual Holiday Project for Children in Need.

The Warwick Lions Club, Warwick Valley Rotary Club, Chosun Taekwondo Academy, Backpack Snack Attack volunteers, Glenn and Susan Dickes, Warwick Reformed Church, Help-Portrait, Spadafina Photography, Dragonfly Photography and numerous local businesses and individuals join forces to create a memorable holiday event for local children.

Back to back parties on Dec. 12

The 160 invited guests come from the Backpack Snack Attack Program, The Mustard Seed Ministry and the Alamo.

At two back-to-back parties to be held on Saturday, Dec. 12, “elf” volunteers escort small groups of children to the various stations which include games with prizes, cookie decoration, professional portrait, photo with Santa and a holiday meal.

A “shop” with new donated gift items is the station kids love the most. They choose gifts for their families and then wrap them.

The “shopping” feature has roots to when Warwick Jaycees took about 30 children to local shops to choose gifts for their families.

Warwick Lions took over and the event has grown over the years.

Santa presents all the children with giant gift bags filled with clothing, shoes, underwear, sox, hats, gloves and toys chosen just for them. A ShopRite gift card is also included. Transportation is provided as well.

Essential information• Members of the community sponsor the children by donating $60 per child or by shopping for a specific child and providing the items indicated. Other businesses and individuals donate new gift items, wrapping paper, pizza and desserts. Still others volunteer their time.

• For information on how to be part of this worthwhile event contact: 845-986-1681 or warwickcares@gmail.com.