By The East Tennessee Catholic
Guests to the Ladies of Charity-Knoxville’s “Christmas for Kids,” which was held on Dec. 12 at the organization’s North Knoxville facility, were greeted with Christmas volunteers, Santa Claus, and cheer.
Each family shopped for coats, hats and mittens, apparel, and toys. When they finished their shopping, they went downstairs to receive a food basket, children’s books, candy, and refreshments.
Some families continued shopping in the Ladies of Charity thrift store for additional gifts for family and friends. Fifty families were registered for the annual event, and 130 children were expected to receive Christmas gifts.
Parents were able to wrap their gifts before leaving.
“So much gratitude goes to our parish donors. The Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus collected new coats. Mast General Store customers donated clothing and coats. A total of 218 coats were available,” said Susan Unbehaun, Ladies of Charity executive director.
“The Dove Tree toy drive at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the toy drive by the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine also participated, and individual donors took part in bringing in toys,” Mrs. Unbehaun added.
She noted that parishioners at St. John Paul II Catholic Mission in Rutledge made “beautiful” hats and mittens to go with the coats.
“This day brings Christmas to everyone involved. Santa (Dave Roulier) and his elves, Darlene Rosenbaum, Michelle Wedekind, and the little Schnauzer, Marshall, welcomed everyone for pictures,” Mrs. Unbehaun said. “Between set up and today, we had 24 volunteers helping staff to get ready and serve the families.”
Mrs. Unbehaun pointed out that the families who took part are existing Ladies of Charity clients who receive other services throughout the year. She said many of them asked if the organization planned to provide help with Christmas gifts for their children.
“The parents came during school hours, so the gifts are a surprise under the tree,” she said.
Very young children who were accompanying their parents enjoyed seeing Santa and the popcorn.
The families arrived in three shifts and shopped with a personal volunteer guide, who was able to make sure the families received what they needed.
All the coats and toys were donated new for the Christmas for Kids. This event is held each December, and this was its fifth year.
Alice Mancini, Ladies of Charity board president, and Juliann Chavez, board corresponding secretary, gave each family a Christmas dinner box with either a turkey or a pork roast.
Jane Rausch, Diane Przybyszewski, Caroline Zengel, Karen Black, and Mary Head were the volunteers who assisted the families to find their gifts. Gregg and Lynn Gerdich returned for their second year of volunteering for the event.
“Thank you to everyone who helped with monetary donations to purchase needed items, collected items, delivered items, and supported this day,” Mrs. Unbehaun said.
