Kids’ Crew plans holiday events

Staff report

BOARDMAN

“A Children’s Holiday” tree-lighting and second-anniversary celebration Wednesday is one of several holiday events planned by The Kids’ Crew of Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley to benefit the local pediatric hospital.

Wednesday’s event is from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. in Building C on the hospital’s Beeghly Campus, 6505 Market St.

The celebration offers cocoa, cookies and carols and the lighting of the Children’s holiday tree at 6 p.m. In addition to a visit from Santa Claus, children’s activities will include face painting, doing crafts and cookie and ornament decorating, said JoAnn Stock, Akron Children’s director of development.

“A Children’s Holiday” is free and hosted by the Kids’ Crew, Eat’n Park and Walmart.

For a donation of $10, donors can sponsor a light on the holiday tree in honor or celebration of a special child by contacting Stock at 330-746-9122.

Also this week, the Kids Crew is hosting its second annual “Holiday Hopes and Wishes” luncheon Friday at Mr. Anthony’s on South Avenue in Boardman.

The event will feature a basket raffle, gift bazaar and holiday bake shop. A social and shopping begin at 10 a.m. with luncheon served at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $30 per person, and advance reservations are required. Corporate sponsorship packages also are available.

Reservations may be made by visiting www.akronchildrens.org/mv or by calling 330-746-8712. All proceeds benefit Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley, Stock said.

The primary purpose of Kids’ Crew of Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley is to provide assistance with hospital- sponsored special events and other fundraising activities.

Membership is open to anyone age 18 or older who is interested in Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley and the purpose of the Kids’ Crew.

Annual dues of $15 are to be renewed by Jan. 31. Kids’ Crew members attend quarterly general- membership meetings and help with a minimum of one hospital-sponsored fundraising event or project and will serve on that project’s subcommittee, Stock said.

Additionally, Kids’ Crew members receive quarterly Children’s Progress newsletters as well as regular Kids’ Crew updates and invitations to all Akron Children’s Hospital events.