Kids Christmas is a go

By Ginna Young

It’s a new era for the Kids Community Christmas Party, with the event under new direction, with a new weekend. In the past, the event was run by members of the Cornell Lions Club and private volunteers.

Then, Cornell Chiropractic staff took over, creating an event that saw upward of 800 people. Now, the Cornell Spirit Club is taking the reins, as a “silent partner.”

Spirit Club leaders will recruit helpers and do much of the “heavy lifting,” as well as heading up the food and collection of the gifts for community children.

“For any one person to do this, it’s just too much,” said Nicole Schwingle, Spirit Club leader.

With that in mind, the Spirit Club asked community members Shelley DeJongh and Ashley Carothers to head the event. The two will tag team to organize the party for the Cornell and Holcombe youth, with the event set for Saturday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this year, at the Cornell High School.

Kids and their families will be treated to a free meal, games, music, a free photo and lots of fun.

Taking off some of the pressure and a lot of the work, the Spirit Club will store all the supplies and gifts at the high school.

“All the stuff is here…so we don’t have to haul it,” said Teresa Turany, Spirit Club leader.

As the party is in the organization process, if anyone wants to donate funds to put on the event, they are welcome to do so, by sending a check to: Kids Community Christmas, Attn: Allison Ducommun, P.O. Box 517, Cornell, WI 54732.

The club is also in need of volunteers to help set up, tear down, and man games and stations the day of the event. People to play Santa and Mrs. Claus are also needed, as well as the matching costumes. Those wishing to help should contact DeJongh (715-202-0814) or Carothers (715-828-9071), and leave a message if there is no answer.

Turany says when the club found out that the Cornell Chiropractic team wanted to pass it on, they knew they couldn’t turn down the opportunity, especially since many of Cornell’s kids need volunteer hours to fulfill honor society obligations.

“We’ll figure out a way to do this, we don’t want it to die,” said Turany. “But, we know we can’t do it alone.”