Coco’s spreads Christmas cheer
Katie Roupe/Observer-Reporter Guests of the Coco’s Christmas event look through a variety of toys to pick gifts for their families and friends. The event is sponsored by the Lemoyne Center and a variety of local business donate items for the event.
Katie Roupe/Observer-Reporter Dressed up as a snowman, Coco gets a moment to rest during the Coco’s Christmas event at the Lemoyne Center in Washington. Joyce Ellis named the event after her dog, Coco.
Joyce Ellis, executive director of Lemoyne Community Center, directs traffic through a room of toys for Coco’s Christmas Party at Lemoyne Community Center on Friday.
Robert Sutton and Lois Caloway, both of Washington, look over gift options at Coco’s Christmas Party in Lemoyne Community Center. Guests of the event were able to pick out a variety of gifts for all different ages in their families.
Christmas came a week early for area families experiencing finanical hardship when LeMoyne Community Center held its annual Coco’s Christmas Party.
Hundreds of people stood outside the entrance of the community center – they started lining up as early as 11:30 a.m. and a long line snaked out front and along Forrest Avenue – as low-income families waited their turn to shop for free Christmas presents inside.
“I’m so grateful,” said Jaime Santiago of Washington, who walked out carrying a bicycle, laser tag game and other toys for her four sons. “I think it’s awesome. It’s such a help. I feel relieved.”
Another woman, Tammy Pierce, picked up perfume and an iPod dock station she plans to give as presents.
“It is the most joyful thing to be here. A lot of people don’t have money to buy something to give away as gifts. and now. I’ll be able to do that,” said Pierce, who is a resident of Safe Haven, a homeless shelter in Washington.
Those who attended were able to choose six presents from a variety of gifts ranging from new and gently used clothing, toys, bicycles, houseware items, cellphones and health and beauty products donated from individuals and businesses. The center started collecting items in August.
The center also provided a meal for those who attended.
More than 65 volunteers helped set up the event, and several passed out hot chocolate to people who waited in the cold for their turn.
Executive Director Joye Ellis started Coco’s Christmas in 2014 to help the less fortunate celebrate Christmas.
“I have to thank the community for giving so benevolently. I was thankful the toys held up,” said Ellis, who estimated 800 people attended.
“Nobody could leave and say they didn’t get something. I’m following God’s vision to help others, and there were people from all walks of life.”