Learning Center Event

Christmas traditions for the children at the Learning Center continued to happen at the annual event on December 15^th.

With outdoor music playing, Sister Johnna greeted the children who were accompanied by an adult. All were masked, socially distanced, and had their temperatures taken before entering the building.  An elf hat was placed on each head.

At the first station, each child was asked to sing a Christmas carol or recite a Christmas poem which has always been a gift to the Sisters. Sister Carol proceeded to present a Christmas bag filled with special gifts eg. character towel sets, towel hoodies, reading book, socks, body wash and more.

The next station was the room with the Nativity display.  Kat Tisdale interacted with the children telling the “holy story” with a manger set to remind them that Christmas is the birthday of Jesus.  Birthdays usually mean a time for gift giving.  At this time the adult was presented a letter and $100 to assist the family with COVID related expenses eg. masks, cleaning supplies, sanitizers, Kleenex, nasal sprays.

At the next station, the children received a Christmas wrapped scroll that contained a poster collage of photos of all the children from the vacant months to remind them that they were missed and that the fun, learning and love will come again in the future.

Seated at marked tables, the children proceeded to meet Santa sponsored by the Kingstree United Methodist and Williamsburg Presbyterian churches. Each child received a wonderful toy gift and bag with Oreos and Christmas candy treats.

After some joyous hoopla, the children picked up a bag of kid-friendly groceries and a takeout pizza for the family.  Other volunteers, staff and many donors made this happen and many children were blessed again.