OLIVE CREST Christmas Party Update - by Lynne George

The Olive Crest Alumni Christmas Party was extremely successful for the 180 alumni, their children and volunteers, thanks to the generous donation by a Grace Fellowship Church member and the hard work of Andrew and Ellen Gallimore, Wendy Fears and Erica Widmer.

We are so thankful for their time in setting up, serving and cleaning up. Catherine McGhie and Theresa Gehman brought green florals and ribbons to add a decorative touch to the room which looked beautiful, and Joyce McAdams and Teri Gundlach loaned hurricanes and tablecloths. Andrew and crew blew up over 100 balloons which the children loved. They got to see Santa, receive gifts, have a delicious dinner and do a craft while the parents played games and opened presents. Our church, thanks to the wonderful donation by a couple in our body, gave them gift certificates for food at Albertsons. An alumni of Olive Crest was the DJ and a pastor told the Christmas Story. 

The pictures show how happy the kids were - for some of them this is the only party and the only gifts during Christmas. Some arrive by bus from great distances because they know their children will receive Christmas gifts - it felt really good to see them laughing and playing and enjoying themselves. To learn more about Olive Crest, visit www.olivecrest.org.