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Holiday spirit abounds at neighborhood party
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
YOUNGSTOWN
A floor-to-ceiling Christmas tree was surrounded by presents wrapped in brightly colored paper.
Each of the 225 children at the St. Dominic Church Christmas party Sunday received one gift. And it likely was something they asked for.
For the second year, the church hosted the neighborhood party that included dinner as well as the gifts. About 350 people attended.
“I do it because there’s a need,” said Victoria Allen, event coordinator. “The children in the community need to know that people in the area care.”
She asked members of the family what each child wanted and created a giving tree with wish lists. Members of the church purchased gifts from the lists.
At the party, the families were served a dinner of turkey, mashed potatoes, corn and more. Dessert was cake and cupcakes.
Keith Fant Jr., 3, said his favorites of the food were corn, macaroni and cheese, and rolls. He said he had fun.
He attended with his mother, Felicia Dennis, and his sister, Cheyenne Dennis, 4.
Felicia said the event was a chance to give the children “a good experience on getting to be interactive with the community.”
The family also attended last year.
“It’s something positive, and the kids enjoy themselves as well as the parents,” she said. “And we just really appreciate it.”
Cheyenne said the food was good. Last year, she received toys based on the animated movie “Frozen.” More “Frozen” toys were on her list this year.
Kristen Brown and her three children attended for the first time.
The event went well, she said.
“I think it’s awesome,” she said. “I think it’s great for the community and for families who don’t have” much.
It helps bring the community together, she added.
She also appreciated that children were able to create a wish list.
“I think it’s awesome to give a kid what they actually want for Christmas,” she said.
Amire, 7, said it was nice to celebrate Christmas with so many people.
“I think this is a good church,” he said.
His brother, Andre Barnes, 8, said he enjoyed having dinner with everyone.
One-year old Azriel Brown also attended.