As a former foster parent I have seen first hand the struggles that children have growing up in challenging environments. That is why I volunteer all year long, but always do something extra special at the holidays to give children some holiday cheer.
This year I again worked with Hollywood Hills United Methodist Church (HHUMC), located in Hollywood, Florida between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, to host 35 children and their “angel families” from Broward Outreach Center (BOC), Susan B Anthony Recovery Center (SBA) and Childnet  at three awesome events!
On December 5th from 6-9 pm the children got to experience A Night in Bethlehem for a chance to see how people lived back in the time that Jesus was born. They also got to sip hot cocoa and eat home baked cookies!
The 18th Annual Snowfest is my favorite of the trio of activities. Snowfest is a day I look forward to all year long!   There are games, rides, food, entertainment, crafters, a rock climbing wall (which is my son’s favorite activity) as well as 30 tons of real snow broken up into three piles by age, the smallest for ages 9 months-3 years old, the second from 3-7 years and the third from 8-adult. The snow is free for all to enjoy.
I man the Angel Booth where I am blessed to be able to greet all of the angel families! Each child receives a wristband for unlimited rides and the whole family receives tickets for food and games. This year they placed the Angel Booth next to the stage so I got to enjoy music from four schools throughout the Miami Area. My son, Kevin, performed with his school band playing the baritone saxophone (which is almost as big as he is).
I also enjoyed hearing the HHUMC Choir and watching a Tae Kwon Do demonstration, dancing by Dance Explosion, ballet by Ballet-Elite Dance Studio and even more delightful performances.
To cap it all off, on Saturday, December 20th from 4:30-9 pm the angel families will have a pajama party where Santa will make an appearance. We will serve dinner and then have a special time with Santa where each child will receive a gift.
Wishing you and your family a Happy Holiday Season. If you are able, I encourage you to give a little bit of your time or resources to needy children. You could help put a big smile on a child’s face, and it doesn’t get any better than that!
Ellen Bithell, CREO, CRS, SSS (Short Sale Specialist)
P.S.
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