City Mission welcomes Santa’s Workshop
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Zhenice Hasan of Washington picks out a few gifts for her family Wednesday during the City Mission’s second annual Santa’s Workshop.
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Leah Dietrich with the City Mission wraps gifts during the City Mission’s second annual Santa’s Workshop on Wednesday.
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Santa Claus looks through toys during the City Mission’s second annual Santa’s Workshop on Wednesday.
Christmas music filled the air Wednesday night as Santa Claus greeted families with a smile as they entered the City Mission Chapel.
The City Mission held its second annual Santa’s Workshop community outreach event for low-income families to select Christmas gifts for each child in their household.
Hundreds of toys were categorized into stations, as volunteers led each person through the chapel so they could choose gifts for their children, with a gift-wrapping station at the end. Last year, the City Mission served 150 families and experienced a similar turnout this year.
“Santa’s Workshop is an amazing outreach,” said Paul Smith, coordinator of the Samaritan Center. “It allows our residents and the community to get Christmas gifts for their children.”
The City Mission will be serving Christmas meals for lunch and dinner over the next four days. The invitation for each meal is open to the residents and the community, as well.
Each dinner, which is expected to serve 125 to 150 people, will be served family-style by volunteers.
The meals will be available Saturday through Tuesday, each day from 10 to 10:30 a.m. and 4 to 4:30 p.m. at City Mission Dining Hall.